A/N - Once more I'm happy to answer any questions. Desert Dog is about 250 lbs and 6'5.
The Shark Club was bustling this evening with patrons throwing their caps away like they meant nothing. Lights flashed while buzzers and bells went off every second, filling the large club the ambience of a theme park. Over the clang of machines, an attractive black man in a deep brown suit serenaded the crowd while women in skimpy outfits swooned, hanging off the arms of their drunken men.
The air was hot and musty with a bluish smoke that wove through the slot machines.
Men and women sat on worn out stools throwing loaded dice, their eyes listless and glazed over from the weariness of their addictions.
Getting into the Shark Club was easy for any woman and as usual no one suspected a rather seedy looking young woman in scantily clad attire. Aramis strutted like she belonged there and went directly for the newly installed elevator requiring nothing more than a cheeky smile to get the guards to move aside.
Aramis stepped in alone, pushed the large unlit "P" on the elevators panel and waited for the generator to kick in a move the lift. It lurched; causing her to stumble slightly but then began to climb before beeping its arrival at the penthouse level. The doors opened and Aramis glanced out quickly to ensure the hallway was vacant.
Of course it was. Mr. Bishop had departed for the day, there was no one reason to be on alert. She could hear the faint ramblings of a radio or perhaps an old television in another room and suspected the guards were happily distracted from their duties.
Be that as it may they were still a liability to this mission and Aramis withdrew the 9mm she had strapped to one leg on her dress and the long silencer she had put on the other. She screwed the piece on and traveled through the hallway. The first door she came to is where the sound echoed. She peeked in and saw four guards huddled around an old black and white screen TV. The picture seemed too fuzzy to make out at her distance but the men laughed at certain scenes, unaware of her presence entirely.
Without hesitation she raised the 9mm and fired five shots. She only needed four but one round had hit a man in the shoulder rather then his head and she had to quickly correct her mistake before he hit the ground. She didn't have the greatest shot but it was hard to miss anything at ten feet away, especially a stationary target with its back turned.
She checked the room thoroughly to ensure no one had been missed before venturing back out into the hallways and continuing her search. The next room had to be Mr. Bishop's private office. The large room was dark but elegant with deep rich red wood furniture and clean walls. Books covered the entire wall behind his desk.
Aramis would have loved to pillage some of them but now was not the time to check for favourite authors and she slipped back out.
The large double doors at the end of the hallways were a dead giveaway that this had to be the master bedroom. Slowly she opened the door and peered inside.
The faint audible words of a woman speaking could be heard as the door silently opened. Aramis peered inside and saw a young woman in her late teens or early twenties sitting on the sheets of the bed reading a story to a spritely looking girl of around six years of age.
The nanny wasn't overly pretty but she was cute with light auburn hair with a tint of red and freckles that covered her nose, cheeks and down her neck. She was a bit heavier but her face was kind, soft and the smile she projected at the child made Aramis calm.
Slowly Aramis stepped into the bedroom with the 9mm drawn on the nanny. At first the young woman didn't see Aramis who had now fully emerged into the bedroom. When the nanny did glance up, Aramis placed a finger on her own lips indicating the girl needed to be silent.
The redhead didn't utter a sound even when she saw the 9mm aimed right at her.
"I wont kill either of you, I just need you not to scream or do anything stupid," Aramis told her.
The nanny nodded and Aramis could now see her eyes were wide and full of fear. Tears began to form but still neither nanny nor the small girl made a sound.
"Keep calm. I don't need the kid to start freaking out," Aramis said firmly.
"Okay," the nanny squeaked.
"Come with me, all right?" Aramis said as she reached a hand out for the small girl.
The nanny took the small child's hand, keeping her in place and looked conflicted in her attempt to shield the child and defy Aramis' request. She eyed Aramis with such scrutiny it made Aramis waver her choice not to kill the nanny but she knew if she did, the child would rouse the entire place.
"I'm not going to hurt her, I promise," Aramis said as she lowered the gun ever so slightly.
Slowly the nanny released Mr. Bishops daughter's hand and the child slid off the side of the bed and walked over to Aramis.
"What's your name?" Aramis asked.
The child didn't speak.
"Leila," the nanny spoke up. "Her name is Leila."
"Such a pretty name," Aramis said as she looked back to the nanny and said, "I need you to come with me too."
"Where are we going?" she asked.
"Just to Mr. Bishops office," Aramis said as she moved for the armoire in the bedroom. There she found a sleek black necktie. "Come here," she beckoned to the nanny.
The woman came over and Aramis pulled her arms back and bound them tightly.
"I said I wouldn't hurt you and I was telling the truth. Do as I say and you'll be out of this in no time. No one needs to end up a corpse," she promised as she faced the nanny once more. "And what's your name?"
"Maggie," the nanny spoke in a frightened tone.
"Can you do as I say, Maggie?" Aramis asked.
The redhead nodded and Aramis led the child and her nanny out of the bedroom and to the office, shutting the large door behind them.
"Maggie, you can sit in the corner there," Aramis directed as she took a seat in the large leather chair behind Mr. Bishops desk. "Come here Leila," she then beckoned to the child.
Leila came over and Aramis hoisted her up onto her knee. Aramis looked at the desk and saw a few blank pieces of paper and a sharpened pencil.
"Do you like to draw?" Aramis asked.
Leila nodded.
"Will you draw me a picture?" Aramis requested with a kind tone and a sweet smile.
Without making a sound the girl picked up the pencil and began to draw.
"Who are you?" Maggie's voice suddenly cut in. while Leila seemed distracted with her art.
"Just a concerned patron of Mr. Bishop. He angered the wrong people and I'm just here to make sure business goes smoothly from here on out," Aramis told her politely.
"Are you going to kill him?" Maggie inquired.
"Not unless he gives me reason to," Aramis offered.
"He's all Leila has left," Maggie tried. "She has no mother."
Aramis rolled her eyes. The girl was trying to generate sympathy but Aramis had none to offer in this situation.
"I'm aware that Mr. Bishop is a single father and if he cares about you and this child, he'll listen to what I have to say," Aramis said, hoping this would end the conversation. She looked down at the picture Leila was drawing. Aramis couldn't quite make out the child's artwork.
"What is that?" Aramis asked trying to sound interested.
"A big dog that I can ride on," the girl said.
The child's imagination did make Aramis smile sincerely. Maybe she too would have thought up such things when she was the child's age but her own childhood had been turned upside down when she entered the Legion and children under the mark of Caesar didn't have time for such creative imaginations.
"What would you name it?" Aramis asked.
"Her … it's a her," the child corrected.
"Sorry," Aramis spoke abruptly. "What would you name her?"
"Tasha, after my mom," the girl said happily.
"Such a pretty name," Aramis offered and her eyes flashed to Maggie.
"What happened to her mom?" Aramis asked letting curiosity get the better of her.
"She died in child birth giving birth to Leila," Maggie said solemnly.
Aramis didn't pester on with any more questions but chose to sit quietly and watch the child colour in her dog.
Suddenly there came a /PING/ and Aramis knew the elevator had just come to the penthouse level.
"What the fuck?!" she heard a man's voice call out, clearly he had just noticed the slain security guards.
"Mr. Bishop, a word in here if you don't mind. No need to raise any alarms," Aramis called out through the door.
There was silence for a few moments then the door of the office burst open but no one stood in the doorway.
"You can come in, we're just colouring … your daughter and I," Aramis said loudly.
Suddenly a head peered around the corner of the doorframe and Aramis saw Mr. Bishop staring wide-eyed at the scene before him.
He entered quickly with his own silver revolver gleaming in the light, hammer cocked and ready to let loose a round but she made sure he saw the 9mm pointed into his daughters back and instantly he lowered his gun.
"Please … not my child," he begged as he entered the office. It was then he noticed Maggie on her knees in he corner.
"I'm so sorry!" the girl whimpered.
"Let the girls go and we can talk," Mr. Bishop tried but Aramis wasn't about to let her leverage walk out the door.
"We are talking, Mr. Bishop," Aramis spoke casually as she smiled at the child on her knee. "Now, about the information you've been sharing with this NCR, that's going to stop right now," she began.
"What? I'm not –" he attempted but Aramis shot him a threatening stare with narrowed, vicious eyes.
"Don't think me a fool, Mr. Bishop. I know that you've been dealing with Colonel Wade and I'm here to tell you that your liaison with this man is over and we'll be implementing a new relationship to ensure Legion prosperity. I come here on behalf of Mr. Aramis, Commander of the Frumentarii. I'm sure you're familiar with the man," Aramis instructed.
Mr. Bishop went silent so Aramis pressed on.
"First and foremost you'll be needing some new security. I'm sorry you lost some of your men but I assure you, they'll be replaced with our own appointees," she began with a sinister smile. "Secondly Aramis will be sending one of his very own down here to be the head of your new security. He'll report directly to Aramis. Any concerns, requests or day to day matters can be sanctioned through his appointee."
"You're trying to implement your own puppets into my commerce!" Mr. Bishop accused and Aramis' grin only grew.
"Yes, Mr. Bishop that's exactly what we're doing. You see you decided to betray the trust of Caesar and in doing so had your men slaughtered and now your daughter's life balances on the knee of a killer. So unless you'd like to see the blood of your daughter paint the walls of this room, you will smile and nod at everything I say here today," Aramis warned, her tone growing more serious as she carried through her threat.
Mr. Bishop backed down. Aramis continued.
"Now, I don't think it's necessary to completely cut Colonel Wade and his trusty companion, Art Enigma out of your life but I'll be making helpful suggestions that I'd like you to pass to the Colonel and his pet, and trust me when I say he better believe every single fucking word you say or next time we meet, I may not be so chatty," Aramis added. "I think these requests are reasonable."
Mr. Bishop cowered slightly as he hung his head, unable to meet her gaze.
"As promised," Aramis said as she released the child who came around the corner of the desk and threw her arms around her father who instantly picker her up and cradled her tightly.
Without warning Aramis then changed aim with her silenced 9mm and fired a single shot that tore through the head of young Maggie.
The girl didn't have time to scream as she crumpled forward, her lifeless eyes staring blankly out at the room.
Leila began to scream and Mr. Bishop quickly buried her face into his chest to shield her eyes from view of the dead nanny.
"Why did you do that?!" he demanded to know.
Aramis merely shrugged and said,
"I didn't trust her. Don't worry, Aramis will replace her too."
Leila sobbed into her father's chest while he stroked her hair back. Aramis stood up and smiled politely.
"It was very nice to meet you both and I look forward to our next meeting," Aramis said as she casually walked by the man and his child and stepped into the hallway. She pressed the button for the elevator and stepped in when the door opened.
"Have a nice day," she called out to them as the doors closed.
Seekra stood on the bluffs looking down at the Cub's Ring where the Legion children practiced their skills to one day join the ranks and surrender their liberty and lives to Caesar. The young man who seemed to be excelling in his training was none other than Alexus, the child she had conceived with Titus before his passing. He was growing into a handsome boy with messy brown hair that fell below his ears but the hard eyes of his father. Seekra wondered if the boy had any of her own features but she was sure Legion teachings had turned her child into what it needed him to be.
Beside the young boy was Dead Sea, her adopted child. Three years older than Alexus, Dead Sea was a bit smaller but he was a strikingly handsome man with a playful smile, wide eyes and scruffy thick black hair. The two boys sparred against one another. While it appeared Dead Sea was superior, Alexus seemed to enjoy being constantly thrown about and the two laughed often when Lion wasn't looking.
Dead Sea had been permitted to assist Lion with the Legion Children's training accordingly to what Athos had once told her. Dead Sea had passed his trials 2 years ago and made a Recruit under Centurion Argo but as Lion had been aging, the instructor needed help so Dead Sea was quick to volunteer. Everyone knew it was because he didn't want to be parted from Alexus until the boy passed his trials next year.
She held her stomach and felt her eyes well with tears. She hadn't told Athos but she knew she was now carrying his child. The conception was a miracle but Seekra felt as though the creature growing inside her was not her and Athos' child. The moment she got pregnant that child belonged to Caesar and the thought bothered her more than anything. She knew Athos would be thrilled but he didn't understand. Seekra couldn't go through this again. She couldn't give birth to a child, raise it for a few years then turn it over to the midwives to raise and finally over to Lion. That was the best case – what if it was a girl, she thought. She'd be bringing in another slave, another girl to be used and passed around as property. The very concept made her sick.
Seekra stepped back and made her way back towards the Fly Trap. She crossed through the training area with her head down and entered the living quarters of the High Command.
Standing outside one of the large wooden shacks, Seekra took a deep breath and knocked firmly on the door. She could hear footsteps striding across the floor before the door opened and Reed stood looking concerned.
"Seekra? Is everything all right?" he asked.
Of course he would be concerned, Seekra rarely brought him good news.
"Can I talk to you?" she asked and he stepped aside so she could enter.
When he closed the door she came right out with it.
"I'm pregnant."
At first Reed appeared thrilled as a wide grin spread across his face but when he saw the look of fear in her eyes he withdrew the gesture and put his hand on her shoulder.
"You don't want this child, do you?" he asked.
"I can't do it, not again," she said as she felt the tears return and finally she allowed them to fall.
Reed pulled her in tight and hugged her. She wrapped her arms around him and broke down.
"What am I going to do?" she sobbed. "I haven't even told Athos I'm pregnant."
"I … I don't know," Reed said as he continued to hold her.
Seekra wished Aramis and Miyla were here but they hadn't returned from New Reno yet. She knew Aramis would be a good set of ears to talk to and Miyla would most likely have the solution she required if she wanted to end this pregnancy.
"I can't tell Athos. I just can't. He'll want me to have this child but I can't. I just can't. I can't give them another boy to turn into a killer and I can't give them a girl to use as they see fit," Seekra continued to wail.
"Shhh, I know. I know," Reed affirmed.
Seekra pulled herself free gently and rubbed her eyes.
"It will break his heart if he knows," Seekra said with a sniffle.
"I won't tell him, I promise," Reed told her sympathetically.
"Caesar is going to make him leave me," Seekra said and she felt another round of tears coming.
"We'll think of something," Reed tried but Seekra knew there was nothing they could do if Caesar wished for Athos to take on another wife.
"Why doesn't he demand that Aramis have a baby?! Why is all the pressure on Athos and I?!" Seekra exclaimed.
"I'm not sure. It does seem a bit strange that he puts so much stress on Athos yet I've never heard him bring up the subject regarding Aramis yet she's just as accomplished as he is if not slightly more so," Reed said and he sat himself down at his small wood table and appeared to ponder this. "I suppose we should be somewhat grateful he doesn't turn his attention to her. Can you imagine of Aramis did have a baby and I don't mean allowing some slave to get knocked up and claim it as her own," Reed said. "Might draw some unwanted attention to see an alleged male Legionary with child."
For the first time Seekra laughed but she knew this was a serious matter.
"I don't wish this on anyone," Seekra said returning to the topic at hand.
"Miyla should be back soon with Aramis. I'm sure she'll have a solution for you," he offered. It seemed they were both on the same page with what to do next.
"Athos can never find out, "she said.
"He will never hear it from me," Reed promised.
"Tahnee has been coming along," Seekra said trying to change the subject on him now.
"She's definitely been more pleasant around here. She doesn't talk to me much but she certainly doesn't look at me with daggers in her eyes anymore," he said cheerfully.
"She talks about you a bit when we're working," Seekra told him.
"Good things?" he said but she detected some humour in his tone. Seekra didn't want to ask about the things Tahnee mentioned about Reed, about how she sees him calling out in his sleep, sometimes screaming, even clawing at his face on occasion.
"The other day she mentioned how you snuck her some fruit from the kitchen. She liked that," Seekra said with a smile.
This made Reed smile and she felt good about giving him some good news for once.
"I should get back to the clinic. Thanks for dealing with me," she told him as she went for the door.
"I'm here anytime," he assured her.
Seekra smiled and nodded, left his shack and headed back to the med tent.
Joshua Graham stood over the operations table examining the map splayed across its surface. There was much work that had been started but even more work to come. Scouts were busy reporting tribal activity out in the wastes and it was Caesar's main objective to follow Aramis' plan for sustainability. This meant it was up to Joshua to come up with the plan for organizing coming raids, Captures management, and fortification of the current outposts while maintaining discipline in the ranks.
His day was made worse by the report that during the night, three slave girls had escaped. It was rare for slaves to attempt this. For one, the area that surrounded Flagstaff was harsh desert wastes that hid all kinds of dangers besides pursuing Legionaries. Raiders, venomous snakes, radscorpions, fiends, and other tribals … the world beyond the walls of the Capital was not the sanctuary many of them thought it to be.
The wind had made tracking the women more difficult. The trail went cold after a couple short miles but one thing was certain, they were headed west. Two Contubernias led by Shaka and Bleached Bones had been dispatched to try and recapture the women. Joshua knew didn't expect either group to return with live captures so he didn't ponder the women's punishment should they return, they were most likely dead and there were other pressing matters that required his full attention.
By the late evening the temperatures began to plummet drastically. It was the winter months and the air was frigid once the sun went down. Anyone out in the dark ran the risk of hypothermia if they couldn't build a fire or find some alternate source of heat.
Joshua sat at the end of the table jotting down notes when Reed poked his head into the tent.
"My men are back," he said casually.
Joshua looked up feeling exhausted. He'd been staring at maps and notes all day.
"And?" he asked trying not to sound irritated.
"They found the slaves," Reed said, his voice sounded somewhat disappointed.
"I'll inform Caesar, I'll be there shortly," Joshua said as he got up from his chair and followed Reed out.
He ventured to Caesar's own personal living quarters and entered without knocking.
Caesar lay on his bed with a damp cloth draped over his forehead.
"Has the migraine subsided?" Joshua asked.
"Only intensified" Caesar groaned. "If I so much as see light I swear my head will burst from my skull," he exaggerated.
"Centurion Reed reports the Decanii have returned with the missing slave women," Joshua said casually.
"I want them dead, Joshua, you hear me? I can't have these poisonous snakes messing up what I have created. Make examples of them. I want the very idea of trying to escape bring sickness to their stomachs!" Caesar ordered.
"Dead?" Joshua questioned. "Are you certain this is the best course? They are young a stupid, yes but they are three young women of child bearing years," Joshua tried.
"I don't give a fuck! We don't give second chances anymore. They die … and make sure they die in a way that none will forget!" Caesar barked. "Now go. My head is splitting."
Joshua sighed and left Caesar's tent. It was easy for Caesar to order Joshua to pass down a sentence but Joshua was the one who had to show his strength as he did it or the men would think him soft and weak.
He approached the main gate and saw both Contubernias present and the three slaves tied with heavy rope, on their knees at the feet of the men.
Joshua frowned and sighed heavily. He didn't have time for this but he knew he couldn't just pass down his sentence and get back to work, no this always had to be a spectacle.
He scratched the stubble on his chin and eyed the three women. They were young girls in their late teens. They hadn't been here very long, maybe just a few months, brought in with one of the raiding parties from the south but all three looked warn, beaten and soulless.
Pretty slave girls like them never lasted too long without a husband to protect them. Some only lasted a few weeks but that was life around here. Women kept the men from thinking too much about other things like revolt, or other dangerous thoughts. Women were an important tool for the Legion but that was their role, to be used. If one thought she was above her purpose or defied her masters, she'd be made an example of for the rest.
Sometimes she didn't get any meals for a certain amount of time, maybe she was given the worst jobs around the camp or in extreme cases she was put to death.
These women had tried to escape, something that warranted a harsh penalty and Joshua knew this. He looked to Reed and frowned. Reed was a soft man, smart and a brilliant tactician but the man had been compromised.
Reed had been one of the very first to keep Aramis a secret and over the years, his relationship with her had made him weak towards women. Joshua had overhead the men talking that Reed had yet to bed Calhoun's daughter. If Caesar had known this, there would be serious repercussions. It was a Legionaries duty to bed slaves and keep them in check and if a Centurion wasn't playing the game right … well … perhaps there was something else Joshua would need to address later on this week.
"What would you like us to do with them?" Reed asked and Joshua detected the uneasiness in his voice. Joshua narrowed in on him. Perhaps this could be a learning lesson for more then just the slave women. Joshua was the Legate and with that role came the power to keep those beneath him in line with just the use of his voice.
Joshua eyed the women carefully then turned on Reed. Maybe Reed expected Joshua to be lenient on the women after all; Joshua had fallen for Aramis, so he was not beneath the affections of a woman. Joshua couldn't afford to be lenient, especially in front of Reed. These women had tried to escape and women who were not Aramis were subjected to his full wrath but he made sure to look at Reed when he passed down the sentence.
"God gave women but one purpose in the existence of humanity. A woman's primary place is in the home, where she is to rear children and abide by the righteous counsel of her husband or master," Joshua began as his eyes bore into Reed's with stoic assertiveness. "In Caesar's Legion they are to surrender their freedoms and liberties to their masters for the greater good of our state."
Joshua saw Reed's expression change from concern to full out fear. Joshua went on.
"These women demonstrated that they don't believe in what we are doing here, they don't trust in God's plan for them so we must not put our trust in them. They don't appreciate their role and that kind of doubt is like a toxic cloud that could infect us all. "
Around him he could see the men were smiling as they anticipated the sentence.
"I can only assume that these women have allowed their souls to be corrupt and nothing but fire can cleanse a soul from its wickedness. For their disloyalty, they shall know Hell fire and on this night, be burned so that the Lord may judge them as we have."
Reed's face had turned white.
The men were cheering, drowning out the sobs of the three young women who were led away.
Joshua saw Reed trying to disperse with the crowd but Joshua caught him.
"Do you not approve of the sentence?" Joshua asked.
Reed turned abruptly and tried to appear calm.
"The Legate passed his judgment accordingly," Reed said and Joshua knew he was being careful with his words.
"Too harsh?" Joshua asked. "I value a Centurion's opinion."
"An escalation to a growing concern. The slaves of this camp have been given a crude warning. I don't think we'll have many trying to escape again," Reed said casually. Joshua had to give him credit; he was quick to come up with the right kind of answer.
"Make sure all the men are present to watch tonight," Joshua said before he turned on his heel and headed back towards the War Tent.
As he walked through the camp Joshua felt very alone. He had not felt God's presence in a very long time, not since his encounter with the NCR woman.
His eyes flashed to the men training all around him, laughing, playing, they all seemed to be enjoying the evening despite their pitiful existence as a slave to a tyrannical megalomaniac.
Joshua had no friends; he had no comrades, no brothers in arms. He could not even call Caesar his friend, nor did he really want to. Their relationship was professional symbiosis. Neither could exist without the other, he thought.
Joshua missed Aramis.
He missed laying next to her in his bed while they both read a book from his small private library and discussed the chapters as they went along. He missed waking up next to her and seeing the small drool stain on the pillow she usually left. He missed her challenging banter in the privacy of their solitude when orders had been passed down.
He strode passed the medical tent just as Seekra and Tahnee were stepping out, both covered in blood from their hands to their elbows.
They both stopped at the sight of him and lowered their heads respectfully.
For some unknown reason Joshua stopped and turned to the women.
"What's going on in there?" he asked.
Seekra was the only one to look up and answer.
"A Prime Legionary was gored by a Big Horner bull when he provoked it."
"May I see?" he asked. Joshua never cared about medicine but he liked Seekra enough and hearing a woman talk kindly to him was nice.
"Uh, of course," Seekra said. "Tahnee you can go wash up and go to your husband."
Joshua knew Seekra was allowing the girl to be as far away from one of the men responsible for the death of her family and he didn't protest her leave. Seekra led Joshua back in and over to the injured man.
"Are you done for the day?" Joshua asked looking at her.
"For a few hours. This man will need his dressings changed and another bag of fluid but he's stable enough to be left alone for a bit," she said.
Joshua realized they were the only ones in here and clearly she did to. She kept her distance, visibly weary.
"Will he make it then?" Joshua asked.
"I think so," she said, allowing a warm smile to play on her face.
"Do you need anything?" he went on.
"Need anything? What do you mean, my Legate?" she asked seeming curious and nervous about this gesture of offering.
"Supplies. Are we lacking anything?" Joshua explained. He couldn't explain his reasoning for wanting to help, maybe being kind to Seekra was in some way making things better between Aramis and himself.
"Caesar doesn't feel there's much importance in medicine. We work with what we have," Seekra said.
"That wasn't the question," Joshua said firmly.
Seekra sighed.
"We could always use more supplies. Anything really. As the months get colder the men will need more blankets. We're low on antibiotics and …. " Seekra paused.
"What?" Joshua asked.
"Well, the men would be much more comfortable if we had more anesthetic," she said calmly.
"I'll see what I can do," he told her as he looked down at the Legionary who lay asleep on the table. "Serves him right for berating a wild animal. Who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth and makes us wiser than the birds of the heavens?'" he added with a smirk and turned towards the tent flap and left.
Reed and all the men and slaves in Flagstaff gathered in the Bull Ring at sundown for the burning of the three slaves who had tried to escape.
Three wooden spires had been erected, some twelve feet tall and each woman tied to it tightly while kindling and pitch were tossed at their feet. They all sobbed and begged for mercy but the cheers from the crowd only brought despair to the women. No one was going to save them.
Beside him, Athos stood, stone faced with arms folded. Their men were gathered all around. Seekra and Tahnee stood between the two men. Reed wished neither had to be here to watch this but the Legate had made the order that everyone would be.
It seemed the only person who wasn't here was Caesar himself but the Legate stood in the center of the women holding a burning torch.
Not everyone had arrived and packed into the ring yet so everyone stood around and waited for the show to begin.
"The Legate and I had an interesting little chat today," Reed spoke up carefully for the women's ears and those of Athos' only.
All three of them were now looking at him.
"It was a warning. This whole thing is a warning for us," Reed began.
"What do you mean?" Athos said quietly. "He gave some big spiel about women's roles in the Legion and how they are to listen to the men without question … it was the usual drab but he looked at me the entire time he said it.
"It felt deliberate?" Athos questioned.
"Very," Reed affirmed. "Should we be concerned?"
"I don't know…" Athos began and Reed could see he was deeply troubled. Athos was staring at the ground, his brow forward and mouth pouting.
"What is it?" Reed asked.
"You're going to find out once he gets back anyways," Athos went on.
He? What was Athos talking about, Reed thought.
"Aramis and the Legate had a very heated argument. There's some tension between them. I don't think they're working with one another anymore," Athos said cryptically.
Reed knew he was speaking like this because Tahnee was here yet Reed knew exactly what Athos meant. Aramis and the Legate had broken things off. Reed couldn't believe it. That would explain why she'd been gone so long in New Reno, it was to get away from the Legate.
"Do you think the Legate will do anything to … you know … to get back at any of us?" Reed said carefully, his voice low, almost a whisper.
"I don't know," Athos answered but his expression showed concern as his brows raised and he eyed them all.
"He came into the medical tent earlier tonight," Seekra suddenly spoke up. "He asked me if there was anything I needed."
Both Reed and Athos looked at her curiously.
Seekra went on,
"It seemed strange, he didn't seem himself … you know … he was still scary and all but he just … I don't know. It caught me off guard."
"We should just be careful. A wounded dog will bite anyone who comes close enough if it feels endanger," Reed spoke cautiously.
Suddenly the crowd began to cheer as the Legate raised his torch.
"We pass our judgment so that God may pass His on these creatures that sinned against us!" he called out and the crowd roared with praises.
The women screamed louder then anything Reed had ever heard as the Legate set each pillar. The flames licked up the wood and quickly skin began to sear and a sickening smell wafted in the air.
Seekra began to cry silently and held Atho's arm but Tahnee buried her face into Reed's shoulder to obstruct her gaze.
The men laughed, some even threw stones while the women burned while others just watched in silent approval.
Reed looked to the Legate whose eyes were locked onto the ground. The Legate only glanced up for a fraction of a second but he found Reed instantly. Both men lingered their gaze for a second before the Legate lowered his once more.
Reed felt unnerved and in danger. The Legate had a reason to be scornful and there was nothing to hold him back from taking his frustration out of those Aramis was close to. Reed would have to be sure to keep his distance and above all else, play the Legion game by all the rules for the next little while.
When there was nothing left but the charred remains of the three corpses the men began to disperse.
No one said their goodbyes as they went to their respective shelters for the night.
Reed took Tahnee back to his shack and closed the door behind them. The chain that kept her tied to his bedpost each night lay on the small mattress she slept on.
Neither of them spoke as he connected her chain to her ankle while she curled up on her bed. Reed draped a small animal skin over her then climbed into his bed.
He was exhausted and just wanted to sleep and forget about tonight all together.
Some time in the middle of the night he heard Tahnee scream. He shot up but couldn't make out anything in the darkness.
"Tahnee?!" he called out.
He just about threw himself out of bed and crawled on his hands and knees to her mattress.
The girl had begun to sob. He could hear her.
When he found body touched her by the shoulders. Slowly his eyes began to adjust to the darkness.
"Are you hurt?!" he asked quickly.
"Nightmare!" she cried out and without warning, she threw her arms around him and pressed her head into his chest. He could feel her wet tears on his bare skin.
"I don't want to burn!" she cried. "Don't let them burn me!" she begged.
"No … no one will ever hurt you so long as I'm alive," he promised her as he slowly raised his own arms and carefully wrapped them around her. She didn't push him away.
"Can I lie next to you tonight?" she asked between her sniffles.
This surprised Reed even more so. Without thinking he answered,
"Sure."
She continued to cry for a few minutes. In that time Reed felt for the key to her shackles which he kept around his neck and unclasped her ankle chain. He lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed. He placed her down gently and climbed in beside her.
It wasn't romantic or lusty, the girl was shaking from fear and she trusted him to protect her tonight.
She rolled over and faced him, wrapping herself around him and buried her face into his chest.
He bent down and kissed her just on the forehead, nothing to make her feel like he was thinking of anything but her own comfort.
She closed her eyes and went quiet.
He lay beside her trying to control his breathing. He knew his heart was racing but he couldn't do anything about that.
"Goodnight," she spoke out quietly.
"Goodnight," he replied softly and then he too closed his eyes.
Three weeks after the incident with the escaped slaves, news that Aramis had returned hit Seekra's ears by midday. She apologized to Tahnee for having to leave and quickly tore across the camp to find Miyla. She hurried to the quarters of the High Command and banged on Aramis' door. Miyla answered it right away.
"Seekra!" Miyla called out and Seekra stepped in. When the door shut the two women hugged tightly.
"How did the mission go?" Seekra asked.
"Crazy," Miyla said as she slumped down on a chair and Seekra took a seat as well and leaned over the small table. "It was nice to get out but in a sick and twisted way, I'm glad to be back. How have things been here?"
Seekra told Miyla about the burning of the slaves and that Tahnee and Reed seemed to be making good progress. She also warned Miyla about the Legate's ongoing strange behaviour but not much had happened since that night a few weeks ago.
"Unbelievable," Miyla said as she leaned back on her chair. "Those poor girls."
"You're lucky you missed it," Seekra explained but her expression turned to sorrow. "I need your help with something," she began.
"Anything," Miyla offered.
"I'm carrying Athos' child."
Miyla lit up, jumped to her feet and threw her arms around Seekra.
"This is great!" Miyla shouted exuberantly but when she saw Seekra's face she let go and backed away.
"Oh no … what is it?" Miyla asked.
"I can't … I can't have this child. I've thought about it and I can't go through this. Not again. I can't bring another child into all this."
Miyla understood completely and said,
"I know a tea. It's dangerous but it helped me out a few times."
"It works?" Seekra asked.
"Every time."
"Can we make it?"
"I don't have all the ingredients but some are not hard to find."
Seekra thought about the Legate suddenly. He had asked if she'd need anything for the clinic. If she convinced him this plant would help the men of the Legion, he might procure it for her.
"Leave that to me," she said.
Miyla nodded and asked,
"Is there anything else?"
"It's a secret. Only Reed knows," Seekra informed her.
"I wont say a word."
Seekra smiled and the two women hugged again.
"I'm glad you're back," Seekra said warmly.
"Me too."
The snap of a bullet from a .45 cut through the air and hit its target some twenty feet away. Joshua emptied the clip with carefully aimed shots. He controlled his breathing and kept his grouping tight. He wasn't the best shot but he never missed when it counted.
He inspected his target, a straw mannequin and smiled when he saw all his rounds had been clean headshots.
Ammunition was scarce but every week he made sure to empty a clip to keep his skill up and it always paid off.
The Legate often trained alone, sticking with running the path around Flagstaff and up and down the bluffs a few times then going to the weights in the afternoons. The men's creativity had built a pretty unique gym complete with heavy old farming tires for pulling, lifting or pushing. There were sand bags attached to ropes for carrying, large dragging stones, sparring mannequins, climbing ropes and other various things.
During the winter the nights were cold but the days were still warm and Joshua trained without a shirt and in a pair of shorts he acquired. The men often stared at his marked up chest from where the bullets had carved him up so many years ago.
"My Legate?" A soft voice interrupted as he dragged a heavy stone through the sand. He let go of the rope and turned to see Seekra standing before him, looking fearful.
The Legate was surprised to see her and in his surprise he never asked her what she wanted so she took his silence as a go ahead.
"You told me a while back that if we needed anything at the clinic to let you know," she began.
"Yes, I remember what you said and I told you I'd see what I can do," he said irritably.
"I'm sorry but I forgot one very important thing. I don't know whom else to go to for this. I … I hope I'm not out of place asking you," Seekra said, obviously terrified that he'd smite her at any moment.
"What is it?" he asked trying to sound calm.
"A plant called Tansy. It's quite rare as it's not native here but apparently it can be found," Seekra went on.
"I don't need a lesson in botany. Why do you need it?" he asked in a cautioning tone.
"Oh … right well … it has really good healing properties. It's identifiable by a very green shrub and bright, circular dome like flowers."
"I'll keep that in mind," the Legate said. "Is that all?"
"Yes," Seekra got out. "Thank you! I'm sorry to interrupt." With that she hurried off.
The Legate watched her disappear.
The whole encounter was off putting. What a strange request if not risky all for a flower. Why had she not mentioned it earlier and what was the big hurry that she'd risk coming up to him so blatantly.
Something didn't seem right.
The thought instantly vanished from his head when he saw Aramis striding across the training area. He knew she'd seen him, their eyes had met for a moment and now she was purposely avoiding his gaze.
He felt his stomach knot up.
When did she return, he wondered. How had her mission gone in New Reno?
"Aramis!" he called out to her. He watched her stop, sigh and turn around.
"My Legate," she called out.
Joshua walked over to her and stood just mere couple feet away. He watched as her eyes scan his body and he felt a slight thrill but then her eyes locked coldly on his.
"How did everything go in New Reno?" he asked.
"I'll be doing my report in a couple hours. I sent Frumentarius Deegan to find you and tell you about this briefing. I guess he hadn't found you yet," Aramis replied mechanically.
"Guess not," Joshua replied. Aramis looked good. The new black armour she wore did nothing for her figure, which was best, but Joshua knew what was beneath it and he felt something stir between his legs.
"I'll see you in the War Tent then, brief begins at eleven," she said and turned to leave before he could stop her. He watched her storm off through the training area and knew that her disdain for him hadn't wavered in the slightest. This was probably for the best but it pained him regardless.
Seeing her now made him recall the NCR woman he'd brutalized. The action had shamed him and no amount of regret could undo what he'd done.
Joshua made sure he was cleaned and dressed before the brief and when he entered the War Tent he was hit with a sting he'd not thought possible.
Desert Dog stood on the opposite side of the table next to Aramis. The man was large in stature and his face was stone cold as if it were carved from ice.
Joshua met those eyes for only a second before Joshua took his place at Caesar's side.
The War Tent was packed as Centurions Athos, Reed, and Sidewinder stood listening in to the brief. Cerberus stood beside Caesar as well and by the door, some of the invited Frumentarii lingered.
Aramis began her brief and when she called upon him, Desert Dog put in his own information.
Everything they had uncovered with relevant and important. No one interrupted. It was a lot to take in. When she was done recalling her intelligence she made her recommendations.
"With your permission Caesar, I will send Deegan to New Reno to act as Mr. Bishops' Head of Security. Deegan will report to us weekly. He will act as our liaison."
"What are your thoughts on all this?" Caesar asked not turning his attention to Joshua.
"I think the Commander has done a great service to you Caesar. His work has been nothing but exemplary. I think whatever he believes is necessary is for the good of your Legion," Joshua said sincerely.
Aramis' mouth fell open slightly. Clearly he'd shocked her with his support.
"Very well, I leave the next phase of the mission in your hands, Aramis," Caesar said sternly.
"Oh, and one more thing," Aramis spoke up boldly.
Everyone turned and looked at her.
"I wish to ask that Desert Dog be permitted to stay here in Flagstaff. He and his Speculatores have been essential in this mission and I wish to continue working with them for the coming tasks ahead," she asked.
"Very well," Caesar allowed without much thought.
What?! How could this be?! Aramis hated the man. What had happened?! So many thoughts rushed to Joshua's head. Now it was his turn to have his mouth fall open. Joshua looked around the tent; this startled even Athos and Reed.
Caesar adjourned the brief and everyone filed out. Joshua watched as Desert Dog and Aramis strode side by side headed for the High Command Quarters. Was there something going on between the two of them and was it possible it was consensual?
No, there was no way, was there?
Joshua felt that knot return to his stomach. God had certainly thought this one out cleverly and Joshua wondered if his torment would ever end.
The day was nearly over and Seekra was looking forward to returning to her husband that night. There were no patients to check on so she'd be able to sleep without interruption.
She heard the tent flap open behind her and gasped with surprise when the Legate stepped in. She hadn't noticed the bag in his hand until he was coming towards her and lifted it for her to see.
"Is this what you needed?" he asked.
Seekra stopped backing up and reached out and took the bag. She couldn't believe he'd actually come through for her. It had been a week since she'd approached him while he trained and she was certain he'd taken her boldness as disrespect and cast aside her request.
She opened the bag and looked inside. It was all there, even the tansy! She was thrilled and couldn't hide her smile.
"This is it! Thank you!" she said as she looked up at him and now she was nervous. The camp had gone quiet long ago, as night had fallen. A man, the Legate now stood in the medical tent with her. They were alone and no man did anything for a slave without wanting something in return.
"I suppose you'll be wanting your payment," she whispered as she reached for the buckle of his pants.
She knew the price of what he'd given her. It was worth it. She'd do her part and try and cast the thought aside once it was all over. She'd do this for her unborn child.
"What? Hey! What are you doing?!" he snapped as he backed away.
"Hm? You mean … you don't want me to? …" Seekra spoke up and eyed him curiously.
She watched as the idea finally sunk into his head and she wished she'd not been so forward.
He was silent for a few seconds and sighed.
"No Seekra, you don't have to do anything," he said as he lowered his head but I do wish to ask you something."
Seekra was humiliated but she said nothing.
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward," Joshua spoke softly.
Seekra's mouth fell open. He knew. The Legate knew she was pregnant.
"Does the Centurion know of your condition?" Joshua probed.
Tears formed in her eyes. She felt ashamed and scared. Would he kill her for this betrayal?
"No …" she managed to get out.
"Number the children of Levi after the house of their fathers, by their families: every male from a month old and upward shalt thou number them. And Moses numbered them according to the word of the Lord," Joshua said.
Seekra didn't understand the cryptic message.
"I do not wish to know how far along you are. This will be the last time you and I speak of this matter. Inside that bag you'll also find a book. I found the information regarding that little flower you have there interesting, you may as well," he said then he turned and left.
Seekra fell to her knees and held her head in her hands and wept.