A/N - I couldn't leave you all hanging like that. I had to keep writing. Thanks again for the great comments. I love reading the theories. I look forward to what you all think as the story moves ahead and we get closer to that date in 2277. You know the one ;)


WARNING - EXPLICIT SEXUAL CONTENT

It was the scream that broke through the quiet morning atmosphere, a scream that caused the hair on the back of Angela's neck to stand on end. It was not the kind of scream one hears when they see a spider in the shower unexpectedly or when a scary scene in a movie jumps out at you, this scream was as if someone were being burned alive and death was coming too slowly to end the suffering.

Instantly Angela broke into a run in the direction of the scream. Her husband, Ty, with rifle at the ready, tore across the town square in the same direction.

"What is that?" he asked in alarm.

"I don't know!" Angela exclaimed but as they saw the small cottage like house appear before them she had a sinking feeling she knew exactly what was happening.

The screams were relentless, unwavering and shaking the windows of the house. Angela and Ty slowly eased up the small steps to the front door. A small crowd gathered at the base of the porch in curious anticipation.

Ty reached for the door, shielding Angela with one arm behind him and slowly opened it. He stepped through hearing the wailing that echoed from within.

Angela looked around her husband's torso to see beyond and scan the room. The scene before her was not what she expected at all. Aramis knelt on her knees, cradling a limp Desert Dog in her arms. The red splotches on the wall around her was blood but the dark splatters and lumpy texture made it clear there was some brain in there too.

Aramis looked as though she'd been beaten pretty badly. Her once pretty face was now adorned with deep bruising around her eyes, a split, puffy lip, wet blood dripping from her nose and swelling in her left cheek.

"Oh fuck," Ty mumbled as he froze in place, unsure how to react to the scene.

"Aramis, sweetie come with me," Angela chimed as she moved to put her hands on Aramis's shoulders.

"Don't touch me!" Aramis screamed as she thrashed with one arm to get Angela to back up.

"Honey you can't help him. He's dead and I need you to come with me," Angela tried again as she too got to her knees beside Aramis.

Aramis just sobbed uncontrollably and held Desert Dog's body tight against her own.

"Get Joshua," Angela said to her husband as she looked over her shoulder to where he stood.

"What? No," Ty snapped.

"I said get Joshua now!" Angela ordered.

Ty's lip curled slightly and he disappeared out of the house in just 2 long bounds.

Angela stood silently watching Aramis who rocked back and forth still sobbing.

Less than five minutes later there came heavy footsteps thundering up the wooden stairs of the house and Joshua and Athos stood in the doorway with heavy looks of concern plastered on both their faces.

"Shit." Athos uttered.

Joshua was around Aramis the next second, his arms wrapped around her in a warm embrace that both tried to comfort and pull her away.

Aramis responded by burring her face in his shoulder, squeezing her fingers into the fabric of his shirt and crying hysterically.

"Up we get," he whispered in her ear as he got her to her feet and began to walk her out of the house.

"No!" Aramis cried out as she turned to look at Desert Dog once more but Joshua forced her head back into his shoulder.

"Don't look right now. Come on," he said softly as he led her out of the house.

Athos stood over Desert Dog and Angela could see the puffiness in his eyes and the gleam of tears forming.

"I'm really sorry," Angela said, doing her best to sound sincere. In truth she was upset with this outcome. She may have disliked Aramis and the entire Legion horde that roosted on New Canaan land but she would have never wanted any woman to have to go through what Aramis just did. Judging by the wounds, it seemed Aramis just managed to get the upper hand, how, Angela had no idea.

"Do you have anything we can put him in?" Athos asked, trying to appear stoic.

Angela nodded and said,

"Of course."

She left silently, went to the clinic and returned with a large black bag she used for the dead. Athos didn't waste any time in placing the Desert Dog in the bag, zipping him up and heaving him over his shoulder.

"Where can he go?" Athos asked calmly.

"Ugh, we can bring him to my morgue," Angela offered.

Athos said nothing and waited for Angela to lead the way. Despite the obvious weight and difficulty of the carry, Athos moved effortlessly out of the house, following Angela across the town to he morgue. She could no longer hear Aramis's cries and she wondered where Joshua had taken her.


Joshua didn't know what had happened exactly but judging by the wounds Aramis carried, there had been a struggle and Desert Dog didn't make it out with his life. He held the trembling Aramis close to his body, her tears soaking his shirt but he didn't care.

He stopped when he reached the precise place he intended to and eased her down to sit. He sat beside her and gazed out and the calm lake before them. It took some time for her to peel her face off his shoulder and take in the view he brought them to.

The vast Great Salt Lake was just as beautiful as always. He brought her here because he knew it offered tranquility. She'd been here before … the two of them had been here before but this time they were in need of this place for a very different reason. They needed peace and silence.

Joshua didn't say anything. There was nothing to say. Filling the silence wasn't necessary. She stared out at the lake, sniffling one moment than bursting into hysterical sobs the next.

He hoped the atmosphere was helping. Back in the day he enjoyed coming here alone and just staring out at the water. Most of that time was spent wallowing in self-pity about Angela. Now this place needed to work its magic on Aramis.

After an hour of soft sniffles Aramis finally spoke.

"He had changed. I had to do it."

Joshua put his arm around her shoulder but he didn't speak.

"I woke up. He was standing there … I … I think I called out to him. He turned and … he turned and looked at me … but he didn't see me," she tried to get out but she burst into tears again.

Joshua felt his words come.

"Desert Dog had a sickness in him. He was never going to beat it but he fought against it as long as he could. He fought because the more he did, the longer he had with you," he told her with the most sincere tone he could muster.

Aramis sniffled and wiped the tears from her eyes.

"Do we have to go back?" she asked.

"No," Joshua said.

That was all either of them said for the entire day. The sun rose high over the glistening water before it began to make its arc into descent. Now it was setting on the far side of the lake, painting the water all brilliant shades of orange, pink and red. It was stunning and Joshua felt at ease if only briefly.

He heard the sounds of someone approaching from the rear and turned to see Athos coming towards them. Aramis didn't even seem to notice as she just stared blankly out to the water.

"Doctor Angela told me you'd be out here. I got lost for about an hour," Athos grumbled as he sat in the sand beside the two of them.

Aramis didn't even flinch.

Joshua looked behind Aramis and motioned for Athos to speak with him in private. The two men left Aramis sitting by herself while they discussed the situation in private some twenty feet away from her.

"She can't go back to that house," Joshua exclaimed.

"It's been all cleaned up. We moved him to the clinic morgue," Athos explained. "Has she been talking at all?"

"Not really. She said he changed, attacked her and that is pretty much how it went," Joshua described.

Athos sighed and said,

"This is fucked."

Joshua only nodded.

"We need to get her back," Athos said and without waiting for permission he turned and headed towards his sister. "Come on, we need to head back. You haven't had anything to eat or drink all day I'm guessing."

"Not hungry," Aramis mumbled as her brother hoisted her to her feet.

Athos took her by the arm and began to lead her back to New Canaan.

Joshua decided to just follow behind them.


Back in New Canaan the town was a buzz with what had happened that morning but the humming of whispers and murmurs died instantly when Aramis was brought back into town.

Jeremiah must have been alerted because he met them just as they made it inside the walls of the town with an empathetic smile displayed on his face.

"Come with me, my children," he said as he led the three legionaries inside the church.

Once inside Athos brought the catatonic Aramis over to the pews and sat beside her without speaking. He offered her a bottle of water but she seemed to be staring through everything.

Joshua was beckoned over by Jeremiah, Ty and Angela.

"We've come to an arrangement," Angela began.

Joshua raised a brow.

"Arrangement with who?" he inquired. "What are you talking about?"

"She's in no condition to be with you and the Legion. That girl is broken and it will be a miracle if she can be put back together to resemble even half of her former self," Angela said.

"She needs God's love right now. God will be on her side … here," Jeremiah added.

"Aramis isn't exactly the 'on God's side' type. She needs to come back with us … to Flagstaff," Joshua argued.

"Look at that girl Joshua," Angela said, her tone turning to almost pleading. "Do you honestly think after what she's been through that she's safe back in Flagstaff with those monsters? Here, she can heal, maybe even come to terms with what just happened."

"Athos would have to agree," Joshua said firmly.

"Athos was the one who suggested it," Jeremiah said.

Athos was now walking towards them while Aramis remained sitting on the chapel pew.

"Did you tell him the idea?" Athos probed.

"Are you supporting this?" Angela asked as her attention turned to Joshua.

"What will I tell Caesar?" Joshua asked.

"Aramis remained in the New Canaan outpost seeing to her missions as the Commander. Coming from you, Caesar will support it."

"She's needed by her men," Joshua argued.

"She doesn't even know her own name right now," Athos spat bitterly.

"We'll take care of her," Angela promised. "I mean it."

Joshua looked over to the entrance where Aramis sat; unaware those around her were discussing anything at all that regarded her well being entirely.

"All right, fine. Keep her here. I'll pull most of the men out of the New Canaan outpost. Only the Speculatores will remain for security, just in case. I still need to break the news to them," Joshua said as he combed his finger through his hair and let out a heavy sigh. That was the next major challenge but then he thought of something else. "She can't be Aramis any longer. That name must not be used by anyone here."

"What do we call her then?" Angela asked.

"Her alias is Eyre. She'll respond to that. Ensure the New Canaanites refer to her by that name only. This is very important," Joshua said.

"Very well," Angela agreed.

"I'll let her know," Athos said as he returned to Aramis's side.

"You promise no harm will come to her?" Joshua questioned, his voice turning stern and serious as he eyed all three new Canaanites. He noted Angela's inquisitive raised brow but he didn't care if he let anything on about his protectiveness over Aramis. Angela could think whatever she wanted.

"I told you I would. We all will. She'll receive proper grief counselling and therapy," Angela offered.

"Even if she is Legion," Ty finally spoke up.

"God loves all his children," Jeremiah affirmed.


Joshua sat in his chair at the head of the planning table in the War Tent. Caesar was out of commission once again with some more afflictions meaning Joshua had been running the show for the last 6 months. It was a good thing too because it meant he didn't have to answer for Aramis's long absence all this time.

It was coming up on ten months since he returned to Flagstaff without her. He received a biweekly report from Angela as to Aramis's progress but it was often vague. He held one of the newly received letters in his hand and read it under the dim gleam given by the few candles strategically placed around the room.

Angela wrote that Aramis was doing better bit by bit. According to Angela, Aramis had been a husk for the better part of 5 months but slowly she's been coming around. Apparently, Aramis lost a lot of weight and was too skinny for quite some time that Angela feared they were going to have to force-feed her. Fortunately it didn't come to this. Aramis was kept busy with small tasks around New Canaan but mostly kept to herself in the church where she just read all the books available to her.

It made Joshua smile knowing Aramis found solace in reading so many books. It reminded him of when he used to read to her when she was young. When Joshua wrote back asking when Aramis would return, and he always asked this question Angela would say she's not ready yet and to give her more time. Luck was on their side so long as Caesar was unwell but he didn't know how long he could keep this going once Caesar got better.

"Sir," a calm voice broke in. Joshua looked up and saw Colt standing in the entrance of the tent. "Permission to enter," he asked respectfully.

"Yes," Joshua said.

"Interesting report for you. I think I found something on my last mission with the scouts," Colt said as he handed Joshua the report.

"It's a tribe. All women. No men. Heavily armed and very well organized. I didn't get too close. They don't seem to welcome men anywhere near their territory," Colt described.

"You describe their leader here. You observed her?" Joshua asked reading through.

"Yes, for about two days I watched. She clearly gives all the orders and is in change of training the other women. That's all I could make out," Colt said.

Joshua glanced up and upon seeing the odd, confused expression on Colt's face asked,

"Is there more?"

"Kind of. I mean, I think so," Colt began. "Remember that mission awhile back? Centurion Athos and Reed sent Picus, Vulpes and I out to find who slaughtered that Contubernium a year ago? Well … we were supposed to be finding a slave girl that escaped too. We were given all the details and … I think that girl is the leader of this group," Colt said.

Joshua leaned back in his chair.

"Interesting," he muttered. He pondered the following details for some time while Colt stood silent. "I think we should head there," Joshua finally announced.

"Sir?" Colt uttered.

"I want to see this tribe for myself," Joshua said.

"Very well, Sir. Will you be requiring a security detail?" Colt asked.

"Yourself and Picus. We'll travel faster in smaller numbers," Joshua declared.

Colt crossed his arm over his fist but her lingered for a few seconds.

"Was there more?" Joshua asked.

"It's regarding the Commander, Sir," Colt spoke up. "Will he be returning soon?"

"Commander Aramis is still in New Canaan dealing with matters regarding the NCR there. When he finishes his mission, he will return," the Legate said in a matter of fact way.

This appeared to please Colt for now and he turned on his heel and departed.


The next morning Joshua, Picus and Colt departed for the western Utah area. Much of this was rugged, barren land that Caesar took no interest in. It was nowhere near a major supply line so it's not surprising it went unchecked for so long. The trek took them eight uneventful days but as they neared the territory Colt described, they moved cautiously as things were fairly flat and open. It would be easy for them to be spotted making their way across the landscape.

"The village is maybe a couple miles north of here," Colt announced when they reached the final checkpoint. The men stopped while Joshua surveyed the scene.

"There's a large hill over there. If we get to the top, will we be able to see their village?" he asked.

"Maybe," Colt answered.

They made there way up the large hill. There was barely any cover. The ground was mostly sand and small shrubs that came to knee height only.

"We're really exposed," Picus pointed out.

"I don't like it either," Joshua admitted as the neared the top of the hill. Sure enough when they reached it they could see the large valley below. The town had been built into the side of the adjacent hill. It was very well fortified with sandstone walls that surrounded all the primary structures. In the center Joshua noticed a small pyramid shape. That was odd. They were too far away to make out any people but judging by the size they were well populated.

"We have to get closer," Joshua announced. "We'll wait till night than sneak up. We can use some of the natural flora for concealment. It looks a bit thicker on their side," he said.

The Frumentarii nodded in agreement. They moved off the hill and found some cover on the other side. They decided to set up small lean to tents to shield them each from the sun and wait for the night.

The three men hunkered down and opted to sleep a bit before their move. It was a mistake.

He'd been complacent. That was the only way to describe it. He hadn't even realized they'd been snuck up on until someone kicked his boot and Joshua snapped to his feet with .45 drawn.

There was a laugh and suddenly Picus and Colt were alerted to the situation.

They were surrounded.

There was about nine of them, all males, all clad in patchwork animal skin attire. Each had his body painted in elaborate colours, even the face. Most of their hair was fairly long and tied back tightly. Some wore braids. They all had a long gun. Joshua counted four shotguns, five high-powered rifles. Some had dark skin while others were lighter. They were all tall, with muscular builds and prominent facial features like square jaws and stern brows.

The largest of the men was smiling and took a step towards the three Legionaries.

"Legion men? Won't the Goddess be thrilled? She's been looking forward to seeing you all again," he said in a deep tone. His dark skin swallowed much of the colour he painted himself with. He unslung his shotgun and pointed it at Joshua. "I'd be a fool to now know who you are," he added.

Joshua felt unnerved. These people were smart for a rag tag group of tribals. This wasn't good.

"Take their weapons, the leader ordered. The Legion men were stripped of all weapons.

"Let's take them back," the leader announced and the men all exchanged smile.

"Who are you?" Picus asked but rather than answer he was stroked over the head with the butt of a long gun. Colt helped him back to his feet.

"Move it!" the leader announced.

Joshua gave the slightest head nods and the Legion men followed their captors.

They were led up the adjacent hill and to the massive stonewall that enveloped the town inside. A large wood gate swung upon to permit them access.

"Inform the Goddess we have arrived with a gift," the leader announced to the gate guard as he pushed Joshua forward.

The village was bustling with all types of people but they were all dressed similarly to the men. Bodies were painted in bright colours and many wore unique jewellery both on their bodies and in there hair. A group had gathered around the men to watch the spectacle unfold.

The buildings were all made of the same sand stone as the wall. It was well kept, clean and roomy inside. The people looked well fed and well cared for.

Suddenly the crowd parted to permit an entourage of women through. They too were tall, and all wore pale tan animal skins that matched one another. In each of their hands were two large knives, curved and threatening. They formed a "U" shape around the entire group of men. Finally another woman stepped forward. She was slightly shorter than the other women. Her skin was a deep dark hue but the colours she painted herself with shone bright. Her eyes were a vibrant brown that fixated on Joshua instantly. She smiled but there was no mistaking the upper lip curl of a snarl hidden in that smile. Her braids fell below her shoulders, framing her face nicely. She was slender but strong looking with well-defined muscles.

"Welcome," she said in a cheery tone but Joshua didn't take her words to heart. They were not welcome here. He knew this. "I'm so glad to see Legion men again," she added.

None of the Legion men said a word.

"My name is Hecate. Welcome to Ouroboros," she exclaimed. "I was hoping Caesar would find me in due time. I told myself to be ready always. You couldn't have picked a better time for join me," she said in a cheery tone that made Joshua cringe. "You must be tired."

"We caught them napping," the leader of the men informed her.

Hecate laughed.

"I'm disappointed! I expected better from the Legate," she said as she placed a hand on his shoulder. "I will take good care of your men. You can come with me."

The men led Picus and Colt away while the all female guard ushered Joshua forward to follow Hecate.

"Tell me, do you like what we've built here?" she asked.

"Impressive," Joshua muttered.

"We think so to. When I found these people they were not doing very well. Frankly neither was I. Your men saw to that. Fortunately the Goddess delivered me here and I've thrived, as have my people," Hecate explained.

Joshua took note of the amount of people and weapons he saw. These people were not fairing to bad at all. He was in trouble and he knew it.

They were led to a small square building made up of carved stone bricks.

"Here is where you will make yourself at home. I'm sure you're not really used to being caged up like rats … most people aren't … but I figure it would do for some humbling … something I believe you're all in desperate need of," he teased.

The women ushered the men forward and one of them opened the door of the building. Inside it was dark, hot and very tight on space. There was a bucket in the center, for which Joshua could only make an educated guess at. There was no cots, no cushions, just a hard dirt floor for three men to share.

"We'll check in on you shortly," Hecate announced as the three men entered their bunker like prison and the door closed beside them. Small peek holes had been drilled through the rocks to permit some light and air through but it didn't take long for the air to turn stale.

"We need to get out of here," Picus muttered as he began thumping at the walls with his fist to see if he could find any weakness.

"You think they'll execute us?" Colt asked.

"I don't know," Joshua admitted. He'd been captured before but this felt strangely different. He was nervous but for very different reasons. With The Crosses he knew on which ground he stood. Hecate was an uncertainty and Joshua didn't like this. He didn't know her intentions. He didn't know these people or anything about them. They were as blind as they could be.

The Legion men made small talk for the hours left of daylight. Time seemed to creep every so slowly in this bunker. Well night fell they figured no one was going to try and converse with them so they closed their eyes and went to sleep. Come morning there was no change.

Joshua had a wicked headache but assumed it was from breathing in the same air as the other men for so long. No one brought them food or water and a pain had developed in his stomach. When it was about midday there came footsteps on the other side of the door.

A woman opened it and pointed to Joshua.

"Just you," she ordered and Joshua stepped out into the light of the hot sun. He took a deep breath of clean air, welcoming it to his lungs.

He was led to a large square building near the center of the tone next to the small pyramid. There the same group of women from yesterday stood waiting for him.

Everyone stepped inside and Joshua found himself in awe at the large lounge like room he was in. There were strange lounge chairs and pillows everywhere. Oils burned, sending a sweet aroma in the air. It was bright with natural light and yet cooler inside than out in the direct sun. In the center was a large golden chair with red upholstery.

Hecate stepped forward and sat on her throne. The six women all took their places in various spots around the room on the many types of furnishings.

"Can I offer you a drink?" she asked.

Joshua looked at the silver water jug in the center of the room on a small round table. He licked his lips imagining the cool, refreshing liquid inside.

"Please," he uttered as he eyed her cautiously. What was going on here, he wondered.

One of the women stepped forward and poured a tall glass of water for the Legate and handed it to him without a shred of apprehension.

"Are you nervous?" Hecate went on.

He didn't answer. He drank the water and said nothing.

"My guards here are the best of everyone in the camp, better than the men. Does this surprise you?" she asked.

Again, he didn't answer.

"Do you know who I am?" she asked casually.

"The escaped girl from the Twisted Hairs tribe is what I've been told," he answered.

"I suppose that's part of it. I'm the Goddess Hecate now. You've come to Ouroborus. Here, my Daughters are the true power. A world run by women, just as it should be. My Hounds do the dirty work, work beneath a woman, does this bother you?" she pressed.

Joshua merely shrugged. She smiled.

"The Legion is weak because it views women as property. You're nothing more than a bunch of vermin scrapping over meat as Caesar dangles it over your heads in order to maintain discipline and control. I have learned much from what Caesar did to me and my former people … but even the Twisted Hairs were weak and fed from his hand. I won't make that mistake. Do you know why Legate?" she asked.

Joshua just blinked.

"Because I cut the heads off vermin … and then I feed them to my Hounds," she explained with a smile.

"Are we to be prisoners then?" Joshua asked.

She smiled at this notion.

"Would you prefer prisoner?" she began as she stood up. She walked over to him and stood just inches from his face. Before he could react her hand reached up and slid into the waistband of his pants.

His eyes went wide in disbelief as he looked down to see her hand deep in his pants. He couldn't move when she took hold of his manhood in her hand and squeezed ever so gently.

The women around the room snickered.

"Is that what you want? To be my prisoner?" she asked with a twisted grin.

"You're insane," he managed to get out but this only made her smile more.

"Am I?" she asked as she squeezed just a little bit more. Joshua winced. She softened slightly and began to stroke him beneath his pants and boxers.

This was fucked up. What was even more fucked up was that he felt himself get harder. He cursed his body and it's inability to read the moment.

"That will be all, my children. You may leave. He won't hurt me," she said. The women all stood up and without question, turned and left the room.

"Stop this," Joshua ordered but Hecate only smiled before she slid her hand out and pulled him over to one of the long padded benches in the room.

She forced him back to lie down on the bench before she moved herself so that she stood, straddling him and the bench. She reached down and unzipped his pants.

"What the fuck is going on?!" he snapped as he tried to reach out to stop her but she suddenly turned her attention to his face and before he knew it, he felt the cold steel of a very sharp blade on his throat.

"You are going to give me a child," she said.

Joshua felt his stomach knot.

"You're insane. Get off me!" he snapped angrily.

"Don't resist me. My Daughters are just outside. They will end you before you can lay a finger on me with malicious intent. So just enjoy this," she said calmly.

She held the knife but moved it away from his neck as she felt for the strings that kept her tan skins on her body and pulled at the knot. The material fell away exposing her perfect ebony skinned body. She pulled one of his hands to cup her breast and squeezed it tightly.

"Mmm, a strong man like yourself should have no problem delivering what I ask," she cooed.

She put the knife away and reached back down to pull Joshua out from his waistband. It was no surprise he was soft. A knife to the throat does that.

She brought her finger to her mouth and sucked it before she went back down between her own legs and began to touch herself through the fabric that draped her waist.

Joshua tried to seem uninterested but his body deceived him as always.

"Stop," he demanded but she only smiled as she began to grind her hips against his.

"I told you. I need what you have. You will give me a child. A beautiful and perfect daughter, and she will destroy your Legion and everything you've worked so hard to get," Hecate said with a sinister grin. She pulled at the fabric around her waist and suddenly it too was gone. She straddled him naked and he could see he was fully erect for her now.

"For fucks sake," he groaned as he tried to look away. She took his hand in hers once again and brought his fingers to the entrance of her slit.

"It is a privilege that you get to have a Goddess mount you," she said calmly and before he could do anything she lowered herself on him, feeling his shaft slide deep inside her.

He couldn't stop the soft moan that slipped by his lips. She let out a much louder one.

"Give me what I ask," she ordered in a tone so seductive it made his penis throb inside her.

She began to grind up and down against him. Her head rolled back and she closed her eyes.

He grasped her waist with his hands and assisted with her own movement.

This bitch was crazy but his body was craving her. His fingers dug into her flesh and she cried out with delight.

"That's it, Legate. Don't fail the Goddesses. They need you," she cried out.

"Shut the fuck up," he groaned as he drove himself into her deeper and harder.

He knew what was coming. It was building fast and he couldn't stop it. Without hesitation he arched his hips upwards and delivered his semen deep inside her. She let out a cry of delight and pushed herself down against him so he couldn't pull away from her.

When she was satisfied she stood up and moved away.

"Was that so terrible?" she asked.

Joshua lay panting for a moment, staring up at the sand coated ceiling.

"Yvana," Hecate beckoned.

Joshua sprang to his feet and fumbled to put himself away before this new woman could see him. She was quite pretty with long black sleek hair. She was more slender than Hecate.

"I'm done with this one. Take him away and bring in one of the others," Hecate ordered.

"What do you think you're doing?!" Joshua demanded.

Hecate merely smiled and said,

"I don't care which of you father's my daughter. So long as one of you gives me your seed for this life, I will be happy. To see her grow up and slaughter her father's people, that's all I've ever wanted."


Aramis lay on the cold stone floor of the church behind the alter where Jeremiah conducted his usual sermons. Natural light shone in from the elegant windows that wrapped around every wall. Her hands looked as though they were reaching for the heavens when they were really just holding up a book far enough away from her face that she could make out the print.

It was the fourth time she was reading Alias Grace, a novel given to her by Angela. Aramis loved the storyline of the Margret Atwood novel from centuries ago. Aramis was pleased to have so many books accessible to her but she really appreciated it when Angela gave her this one. Every page of all the books was a welcome distraction and the longer she could escape her reality, the better.

"It's a beautiful day out," came Angela's voice from across the chapel. "Maybe you want to read outside instead?"

"I'm good," Aramis said politely.

"How about we have our session outside today? I know you like the trees. It would be good to get some fresh air after all that rain," Angela tried.

Aramis sat up. Naturally her hair had grown out and was now just above her shoulders. She had lost a lot of weight but had put some of it back on though she still looked far too skinny and lost a lot of her muscle tone. She was gaunt in the face, pale in colour and when she moved it was as if whatever she was doing didn't matter. She shuffled, slouched and for the most part lay around all day.

"I suppose," Aramis grumbled as she got to her feet and strode across the chapel to follow Angela out.

To block the bright light of the sun Aramis shielded her face with her hands. It was nice to feel the sun after so many days of rain. She followed Angela towards the edge of town where a couple large ash trees grew. They sat down resting against the trunks.

"How did this week go?" Angela began.

Angela was referring to the homework she'd given Aramis over the last week. Start thinking about things like growth mindsets and setting daily goals that were simple and achievable.

"I showered," Aramis teased. "That was a priority for quite some time."

Angela smirked.

Sarcasm was still humour and Aramis was finding some of it again.

"Any changes to the nightmares?" Angela asked.

Aramis rolled her eyes.

"No, still the same, every night, always different and yet the same," Aramis admitted.

"What were the more recent ones?" Angela probed.

"I forgot to write a couple in the journal," Aramis said. "Off the top of my head one was I drowned the Legate … sorry … Joshua in the Great Salt Lake. He didn't even fight me. Just let me do it. The other was of Zen. I haven't dreamt of Zen in a long time. He was hanging on a crucifix and Desert Dog was trying to light it on fire but I stopped him. Than it was me on the crucifix and Desert Dog was trying to light me on fire. I woke up just as my skin started to burn. I felt the pain. I know that pain," Aramis said casually.

"Are you still reading until you fall asleep?" Angela asked.

"I often fall asleep with the book falling on my face. It's the only way that's been working," Aramis defended.

Angela frowned. A few seconds ticked by before she asked,

"Have you thought about my offer anymore?"

Aramis looked up at her. Last week Angela had offered Aramis a permanent residence in New Canaan, a chance to leave the Legion.

"You know I can't. Caesar would come for me and I doubt he'd keep this place standing if he knew I had been hiding here," Aramis countered.

"He doesn't know this version of you even exists. Only those you trust do. You think you wouldn't be able to escape that life?" Angela asked.

"Maybe I could. But I won't desert now. There's too much back there I'm responsible for. Too many people," Aramis concluded.

"Do you have any true loyalty to Caesar?" Angela went on.

Aramis scowled. That struck a nerve. Of course she was loyal to Caesar, wasn't she? She was the Commander of his Frumentarii after all and that position demanded loyalty.

Angela seemed to get that she overstepped and redirected the conversation.

"I mean, do you think Caesar has everyone in the Wastes best interest in mind?" Angela asked.

Aramis couldn't help but laugh.

"Ask the Twin Mothers, The Crosses, The Twisted Hairs … fuck … ask just about everyone who isn't in the Legion that question and you'll have your answer. Of course he doesn't. Caesar has one agenda on his mind and that's his own. We're just the animals he trains and unleashes on the world to get him all the power. The way I see it, whose side would you rather be on when you know what would happen to you if you were to be on the receiving end of his wrath?" Aramis ranted but she stopped when she saw Angela looking off in the distance.

Curiously, Aramis turned too see Ty coming towards them.

"Pardon the interruption," he began with a charming smile. Aramis frowned. Ever since the incident with Desert Dog, Ty treated her like she was a wounded animal in need of coddling. She knew deep down he hated her so the fake act he put on to spare her any more pain just left her feeling resentful.

"Dex is here," Ty announced looking to Angela. "He got nailed by a bark scorpion and was wondering if you'd be able to help him out."

Angela rolled her eyes and stood up.

"Your old NCR pals need to be more mindful of where they step. Sorry Eyre, We'll have to cut this session short," she said.

Aramis just shrugged and stood up. Angela and Ty made their way back over to the clinic while Aramis roamed aimlessly after all, it was a rather pleasant day out, and there was no harm in trying to enjoy a little sunlight.

Jeremiah was tending to the garden around the church. It was a stunning garden that Jeremiah took much pride in. He was always tending to the flowers. He had the most unique collection Aramis had ever seen. Nothing really grew in Flagstaff besides a few crops. There was never a desire for anything aesthetically pleasing. The garden surrounded the church. Large flowers of purple, orange red and blue reached out towards the sun. The earth was cloaked in deep leafy greens and thick grasses. It seemed to beckon Aramis in.

Casually she walked over and observed him for a minute without him noticing her. She didn't know anything about gardening but it couldn't be that hard.

"Need a hand?" she asked simply.

Jeremiah looked up and when he saw Aramis his curiosity turned into delightful surprise.

"I would love some," he said with a pleasing smile.

"I don't know what I'm doing. I know a bit about crops but nothing on flowers. I might be more of a pain than helpful," Aramis warned.

"Nonsense you'll be fine. You can start by helping me pull the weeds. Your young, your back can handle it," he teased.

Aramis smirked and looked around the flowerbed. She assumed anything with a flower was not a week but there were plenty of other green plants that could be mistaken as one.

"Is this a weed?" she asked.

Jeremiah looked over.

"Yup!"

Aramis pulled it out.

"Is this a weed?" she asked pointing to another.

"You bet!"

She pulled that one out too.

"Is this a weed?"

Jeremiah looked at her with a smirk.

"All right maybe you can plant some flowers for me instead. See that tray over there? I dug up some fresh earth over by the doors. Why don't you pick how they will be planted? Make sure to put em deep enough. There's a bucket over there to give em some water with too," he suggested.

Aramis nodded. She didn't mind his passive way of telling her she sucked as a weed puller. She took to her new task happily. The time ticked away and before she knew it, the day was nearly spent.

Jeremiah brought her some fresh brewed tea sweetened with honey he collected from the bees he kept in the apiary out back. He'd even put ice in it to chill it right down. It was the most delicious thing she'd ever had in her life and Aramis would have begged for more if he didn't offer her another glass after she chugged the first.

He disappeared to make them some more while she finished water the flowers when she caught sight of a figure that stood out. He was dressed in rugged khaki coloured cargo pants bloused over a pair of rugged dark brown hiking boots. A black leather belt with silver buckle kept his pants on his hips. He wore a black collared cotton shirt, tucked into his pants, and the sleeves rolled up just above his elbow. They couldn't be rolled up anymore because his arms were quite large. He carried a dark grey, lightweight, leather duster coat in his arm as he walked.

He definitely looked out of place and Aramis was captivated by this new arrival. When he turned his face to look at her she saw the stern, serious face of someone she recognized right away. When he saw her he clearly caught the same surprise.

Without breaking pace he looked her up and down without uttering a word, and as if deciding right then and there that she wasn't worth reacquainting with, walked on.

Aramis felt a stirring anger she hadn't felt in quite some time. It was the exact same anger she expressed on this man so many years ago when he offended her back in New Reno. Zero manners. Zero people skills.

"Well hello to you too," Aramis snapped loud enough for him to hear as she picked up the watering bucket and poured the contents on the newly planted flowers.

He looked over his shoulder at her and despite the growing distance, she saw him roll his eyes, turn back and keep on walking without uttering a response.

"Fucking dick," she mumbled.

What was Art Enigma doing here? Back in New Reno he had introduced himself as such and included his position as an NCR Intelligence Officer. Their meeting had been something Aramis would have liked to forget. She thought about the time when she found Miyla being assaulted by the officer. She'd forgotten his name entirely. Enigma had been the one who helped but Aramis refused to believe he rescued her and Miyla. Enigma had been a total asshole and clearly he still was.

A minute later Jeremiah returned with more cold-brew tea.

"You all right?" he asked. She must have appeared flustered.

"Yeah, sorry," Aramis grumbled as she tried to push Enigma to the back of her head and just enjoy the great tasting tea.

"We did a fine job today! With your help I got two days of work done! I bet you worked up a bit of an appetite. Shall we see what Em has made in the kitchen?" Jeremiah asked.

Aramis smirked and for the first time she actually did feel the tinge of hunger. Em was a widow and the kindest woman in New Canaan. Her husband died of an illness Angela couldn't stop a few years back. She was probably in her fifties and it was clear from the moment Aramis arrived the Jeremiah had fallen in love with her. Each night she cooked the two of them a great meal. All the inhabitants of New Canaan were joyous of this union.

"I'll join you," Aramis said in kind. "I should shower first though and …"

"Nonsense. It'll be cold by then. You're fine. Besides, there's a bit of a group thing tonight," Jeremiah said.

Instantly Aramis felt regret in agreeing to come for dinner but she was stuck now.

"Ok …" she groaned as she followed Jeremiah towards Em's house. Em had one of the largest homes in New Canaan. A beautiful, old, two-storey, colonial style home, with windows everywhere.

They stepped inside and immediately Aramis was greeted by fresh home cooked food smell like nothing she'd smelled before. She felt her mouth salivating and it was like her hunger hit her all at once. Inside, a large dining room table had been set. Aramis counted twelve places. This wasn't just a cozy dinner for three with Aramis acting as the third wheel. This was a get together.

Em entered the dinning room and shrieked when she saw Aramis, wrapping her arms around her neck and gave her a big kiss on the cheek. Aramis took in a whiff of fresh bread on Em's clothes. Em looked like a fairy tail homemaker. She was short, just coming to Aramis' shoulder and wore a pale blue dress with a white lace covering over top. She was on the portly side but Aramis had seen her chase a large rat out of her house once and she had to admit, the woman could run if she had too.

"Oh you came! I'm so happy! Jerry, grab another chair will you! There's plenty of room!" Em chimed.

Aramis smirked. She liked hearing Em call Jeremiah, Jerry.

He returned with a thirteenth chair and placed it at the table for her just as the door opened and in walked many familiar faces included Angela, Ty, a few of the other residence and lastly, Enigma.

Aramis scowled. Why had he been invited? She wondered.

Everyone was exchanging handshakes, kisses and hugs. Aramis took particular interest at watching how Enigma introduced himself to Em and Jeremiah. Ty introduced him as Dex. This was interesting. Was Enigma not his real name? He was more than pleasant with them, shaking their hands and even smiling. When he saw Aramis he narrowed in on her and reluctantly went to shake her hand when Ty introduced them but Enigma refused to greet her verbally. Aramis accepted the hand but when she looked at him more closely she gave out a snicker when she saw the small deep purple line of a scar on the bridge of his nose. Enigma clearly saw what she seemed so amused with. His face turned even more callus, as he pulled away and moved towards the table.

Everyone sat while Em served roast chicken with steamed vegetables from her garden. Everything was smothered in thick gravy. Em even made homemade biscuits. It was heaven. Aramis never had such an amazing meal. She looked around the room at all the laughing, all the smiles and it made her envious of everything they had. She missed her brother. She missed Reed and Seekra. She missed her friends and her men. Most of all, she missed Desert Dog.

Aramis was silent for most of the evening. Ty and Enigma seemed locked on a private conversation until Em finally cut the two of them off.

"How's the leg feeling Dex? Do you need anything? Ice pack? A pillow?" she asked.

"I'm just fine, thank you Em," Enigma said kindly.

"Did it hurt?" she asked.

"Not too bad. Thankfully I was close enough to hear that I could pop in for a quick patch up by Angela. Kept me from getting too sick," Enigma answered.

"Eyre, did Ty introduce you to Dex? He's with the NCR you know." Em said with glee.

Ty coughed.

Angela looked uneasy.

Jeremiah seemed to be keeping it relatively cool.

"Yes, we've met," Aramis said simply as she forced a smile in Enigma's direction. He was looking at her now oddly.

"Eyre came to use a few months ago," Em said like she was introducing her own child. Everything sounded so pleasant when it came from Em.

She didn't say this is the crazy Legionary wife who killed her husband as was told to everyone who didn't know the truth. Only Angela, Jeremiah and Ty knew what and who she really was. Aramis was simply a new resident, one Em wanted to show off.

Enigma said nothing to this; he merely nodded, barely masking his obvious fake interest.

The conversation moved elsewhere and soon dishes were being cleared. Aramis made herself useful in the kitchen by washing dishes.

"Dex, you can dry."

Aramis heard Em speak up.

Enigma was tossed a tea towel and ushered into the kitchen by Em.

"Just stack the plates there," Em ordered she and Enigma.

Aramis went to washing without speaking word. This was awkward, the two of them alone in the kitchen.

"Whore life not cutting it anymore?" Enigma suddenly spoke up.

"Excuse me?" Aramis said as she turned around.

"The born again thing for a prostitute… kind of cliché don't you think?" he went on.

Aramis felt her blood boiling.

"Fuck off," she muttered as she forced herself to keep washing dishes.

"Do they know where you come from?" he asked.

"Do they know you're an asshole who goes to brothels?" Aramis grumbled back.

"I was working," he said firmly.

"Right. What's with the name, anyways?" she asked.

"Dex is my real name. You think I use my real name when I'm in a place like that sleazy whorehouse?"

Aramis said nothing to this and just kept washing dishes. She wanted to hurt him. She wanted him to feel the same slight she felt.

"Nice scar," she said and now she was the one smiling coldly, her back to him.

"And yet I still rescued you and that other slut," he said but before he could say another word Aramis turned and with the wet plate in her hand, smashed it against the side of his head. The plate shattered to the floor and instinctively his hand came up to protect himself and feel for the damage.

She was disappointed to see he seemed perfectly fine.

"You fucking crazy …" he began to say but suddenly Em, Ty and Angela were in the kitchen. Angela and Ty looked panicked while Em just saw the broken plate and sighed.

"I dropped one, I'm so sorry Em," Aramis said sincerely.

Ty and Angela weren't buying it judging by the cold stares she was receiving but they said nothing.

"Not to worry dear. I'll get the broom," Em said.

"I got it Em," Dex or Enigma … whoever he was said.

He took the broom and Em departed.

"Everything okay in here?" Ty asked carefully.

"Just fine," Dex lied.

Ty looked to Angela who shot Aramis a warning glare.

Aramis forced a fake smile.

"Fine," Angela muttered and she and Ty departed.

"What was that for?!" Dex snapped just low enough for no one else but Aramis to hear.

"Don't call her a slut," Aramis said casually.

"You smashed me in the head with a plate because I called…"

Aramis picked up another plate and cocked it ready to strike again.

"Whoa! Easy there! Fucking hell. You always resort to hitting people with dishes?" he berated.

Aramis lowered the plate.

"Why so temperamental?" he asked.

"She's dead. Have some respect," Aramis replied, trying to keep her composure.

"Oh. What was her real name?" Dex asked.

"Miyla," Aramis replied.

"She was nice. I liked her. I'm sorry about your friend," he said and for once Aramis heard him speak to her in a kind tone.

"Yeah," Aramis said back not willing to forgive so easily.

"So why are you here?" he asked.

"You said it yourself. Born again, right?" she said as she stopped washing dishes. "All done the washing." And with that she left the kitchen without a care. The more distance between her and that insect the better, she thought.

Fuck it. Gaining information on an Intelligence officer for the NCR was not worth the frustration he caused. She didn't need this shit right now.

For the remainder of the night she enjoyed the conversation of everyone else and Dex seemed content to ignore her as well.

It was late in the evening and the group was on the fifth bottle of wine when Aramis decided it was time to depart. She thanked Em and Jeremiah for having her this evening. Em gave her a huge hug and a kiss on the cheek before Aramis turned and made her way back to the church.

It was late but she hadn't had a chance to shower after working in the garden all day. She stripped in her room, covered herself with a large towel and made her way across the hall to the only shower in the entire church. It was a fairly large washroom and since Jeremiah spent his nights with Em now, she had it all to herself.

The water took no time to heat up so she tossed the towel on the bench and stepped in.

She stood in the stream of water, eyes closed, imagining a very different life. This had been the first true taste of what she deemed normality and she wondered what she'd missed out on because Caesar had taken it all away from her. In the end would she have been happy with her parents or was she thankful for what Caesar and the Legion provided? She didn't know.

She turned off the water and stood in the stall letting the steam dissipate as she stared at her reflection in the faucet. Her mind went blank as she just stood, staring, seeing the droplets blur her reflection as they tumbled down the metallic surface.

Suddenly the door of the washroom opened. Aramis froze. Someone with heavy steps just entered the bathroom.

Fuck, she thought. No one comes in here. She never needed to lock the door before. She'd been lazy and now she was paying for it. This was embarrassing. She hoped they would just use the bathroom and go.

There was a bit of shuffling than the curtain swung open.

There was a scream.

Hers and his.

She jumped back, flinging herself to the back of the shower.

"JESUS CHRIST!" he hollered as he slipped, fell backwards and hit his head on the bench. "FUCK!"

Aramis stood wide-eyed and staring at the crumpled body on the washroom floor.

He was splayed naked and judging by the red on the floor, he was now bleeding.

"What the hell!" Dex screamed at her "Why didn't you say anything?!" he sat up, holding his head and glaring at her before he realized she was standing there naked. He grabbed the towel off the bench and threw it at her. "Get the fuck out!" he yelled.

Aramis snapped back to reality, wrapped the towel around her and stepped out of the shower and said,

"Do you…"

"GET OUT!" he snapped.

Aramis ran out of the washroom and straight across the hall to her room.

She slammed her door shut and stood there processing what just happened. That's when she started to laugh. She was glad she scared him. What was he doing in the washroom anyways? This was her sanctuary, not his.

She put on some shorts and a T-shirt and tucked herself into the bed. She heard the shower running from across the hall and his subtle murmuring. She snickered to herself.

Maybe she'd indirectly leave another scar on his head. That pleased her. The shower turned off and a minute later the washroom door opened and she heard the footsteps just outside her door.

"Good night!" she called out facetiously.

"Go fuck yourself," his voice replied through the door and he walked away, his steps getting fainter.

Aramis smirked to herself as she buried herself into the sheets of her bed.

She lay away staring up at the ceiling feeling the all to familiar restlessness that came at this time. Her mind raced with everything and anything that took her away from thinking about Desert Dog. She knew that when sleep came she couldn't protect her mind and it was in her dreams that he would find her. They were too real. Her mind would fabricate his voice, his smell, his touch, everything about him but it was all fake and when she'd wake up, reality would hit her once again and she'd feel more alone than ever.

The hours ticked away until she heard something stir just outside her door. Instinctively she reached under her pillow and felt the cold blade of her knife as she watched the shadow just beyond her door move slightly. Her door latch clicked.

"Aramis?" she heard some one call out to her in the shadows.

She knew that voice.

"It's me, don't kill me," his voice sounded stern.

"Hard Tack?" Aramis called out to the dark but suddenly she was fearful. She did not look like a Legionary. She was Eyre.

"Fuck! Ugh …. One sec!" Aramis tried but before she could do a thing he'd found the floor lamp and clicked it on. Instinctively she recoiled under the sheets so he couldn't see her.

"Cut that out. It's me," he said as she heard his footsteps come across the room. "I'm just here to make sure you're all right."

"I'm fine," she said under the sheets in a firm tone.

"Knock that off, it's ok I know," he said as suddenly there was a hand on the sheets and he pulled them off her face.

She saw his smile, it was kind and full of empathy as he took a seat on the side of her bed.

Aramis said nothing.

"Really? You think we didn't know? I'm a little insulted. We all know. All the Speculatores," he told her.

"How?" Aramis asked.

"I've always known and the boys picked up on it over time. Honestly I'm shocked you've gone on this long," he said.

"Why didn't you care?" she asked.

"You made him happy. We all enjoyed your company but he was different when you were around … better … and that's what mattered most to us," he explained. "He asked us to watch over you when he was gone. I told him you didn't need any protecting but I told him I would offer the Speculatores should you ever need them. I'm here to keep that promise and deliver the message in person."

Aramis felt a sting in her eyes.

"I miss him so much," she uttered and before she could do a thing Hard Tack put his arms around her.

"We all do," he said and she heard him sniffle. He pulled away and smirked. "I'm glad you're hanging in there. I just wanted to come see for myself that you're all right," he added.

"Thank you Hard Tack, I'm getting by," she replied.

"This isn't easy for anyone and deep wounds like this will take a long time. I know he'd want you to be happy. He told me this himself. He was worried you'd blame yourself too. I know … given the circumstances and the outcome of how he died it must be really hard for you not to blame yourself but you mustn't. I heard that regardless of everything you did, even holding onto hope for a cure he was not going to make it. What you did was the most humane thing you could have done. I'm sure the only thing we would have changed was attacking you … and hurting you … but I know … that with you … that's how he wanted to go," he said.

Aramis wiped a tear from her eye.

"What will you and the Speculatores do now?" she asked.

"Once we know you're all right, we'll make our way north. I'll always send a report to you and let you know where we are. Never hesitate to call for us."

"Thank you," she said in the most sincere tone she could muster. He smiled, gave her a couple nods of the head and stood up.

"It doesn't look like you're getting much sleep. At least try," he said with a smirk. He went for the door and opened it slowly; peering out to ensure no one was in the hallway.

"Sneaking out should be fun too," he said with a smirk before he gave her a wink and disappeared out the door.

When he was gone Aramis got up and turned off the light. She crawled back into bed, closed her eyes and felt sleep take her.

Thanks for reading!