"Let me get this straight," the Legionary said, keeping his voice low as more and more people flooded into the casino. "You want me to kill her for you. What's stopping you from doing it yourselves?" He didn't want to beg the question, but he needed to be sure.

"It's quite simple really. We can't," the stranger said matter-of-factly, eyeing a group of people sitting down at the table next to them. He didn't speak again until their server arrived.

"Anything we throw at her, she either avoids, or destroys. You know her better than anyone. One does not simply kill the Angel of the East. Tracking her to the mojave alone has set us back nearly six million caps."

"That's a lot of money."

"It's also a lot of time and resources, something you know all too well. So, are you interested?"

Anatolius' expression was unreadable, unchanged. Of course he was interested- but he didn't show it just yet; an eager display of interest would make him more easily manipulated. It was clear this wasn't just a meeting...

It was a chess game.

"I need details, Greyrunner." He leaned forward, putting his elbows on the table.

"Ah, of course you do, and I am more than happy to provide them. Let's just say we're in a bit of a bind right now. With the majority of the American southwest under our control, our last objective is obvious, and a difficult one at that. We seek the beating heart of the mojave; the jewel of the desert. The very place we sit right now."

"You want New Vegas," the Legionary finished for him.

"Yes. But we can't rule it ourselves without people finding out about us, and Mr. House has proven quite a stubborn opponent. That's where you come in."

His jaw went slack. "You want me to rule New Vegas for you?"

"We do," the stranger flashed a pearly smile. "We've watched you for quite some time now, Anatolius. You're more than Nevada's best spy; you're a tactician at heart. Revenge is what drives you.. but there was more once, wasn't there? A legacy. A right to rule that started the moment you were born. We want to give you that chance again. All we need is your sworn loyalty, and the platinum chip."

His head spun at the thought of his vision coming to life. Spun from the possibilities. His desire to usurp the Legion as he personally executed its leaders; the look on Vulpes' face when he gets tarred and lit on fire and thrown down into the Grand Canyon. His tribe may be gone forever, but Anatolius would rule yet. After he killed the ones who took it all away.

Why, then, was he still so guarded about the whole thing? He wasn't quite sure; only that it was better to appear reluctant to accept their deal than not.

"I'm interested. But what if I refuse?"

Those blue eyes weighed him again. "Then you'll never hear from nor speak to us again. You'll sign a waiver citing that you will never speak of us under any circumstances, or you will be executed on the spot. Then our business here will be done, and you're free to go. But why refuse? You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain."

He thought about it for a moment. Or pretended to, at least.

"I accept."

"Ah, wonderful," the stranger exclaimed, visibly pleased. "We'll contact you shortly with preliminary details. Don't worry about finding us- we'll find you when the time comes. Until then, I implore you to take full advantage of the amenities we have to offer as a friend of the Greyrunners. You might want to start with your new Ultraluxe penthouse suite. Move your stuff in- have a little fun."

"Sounds fancy," Anatolius rose as the stranger did, feeling a great weight being lifted, and a new one being added.

"I'll await your return. And…. thank you, for the opportunity."

He hadn't thanked anyone in years. It felt strange, but good.

"It's our pleasure, Anatolius," he reached out a hand, and the Legionary took it. "Our business here is concluded. Any other questions you have can be answered tomorrow."

He turned to leave and stopped as he passed the man, "By the way, call me Isaac; no need for any deception from either of us at this point." With a tip of his hat, he grabbed his suitcase and left the casino.

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The first thing Anatolius wanted to do was follow the Greyrunner, but he thought better of it as he considered his options. It bothered him that they knew so much- and yet he knew virtually nothing. There wasn't anything he could do. He needed their help as much as they needed his.

He hadn't sensed any deception in Isaac, either. From what the Frumentarii did know about the Greyrunners, they seemed like a neutral party; and a faction as powerful as they were would ultimately keep their word.

Until it became inconvenient, that is.

Still it was satisfying knowing he had a direction to go in. A reminder of purpose. The man passed through the lounge on his way out, assimilating smoothly into the throngs of people, when he felt a presence ease in behind him.

"Well, well, well. That didn't look like Legion business to me, Mr. East." The voice slithered into his ears, slowly burrowed into his head like an annoying insect.

Vulpes.

"And to think I was almost in a good mood," he replied mockingly. Anato didn't make eye contact with his superior, but he knew he was wearing his rediculous gambler tuxedo. Strangely enough he wasn't at all worried about being caught on the Strip without a reason. He didn't need one.

Inculta sneered, "Yes, well, I wonder what our Imperator would think if he knew you were waltzing around New Vegas instead of completing your assignments, like a good little Frumentarii."

"I think our Imperator would tell you to kiss his ass. Basia culos meos. If you truly want to know, you can wait for my report to Caesar."

Vulpes hissed through his teeth. "You dare say that name here! I am your superior, the leader of all Frumentarii. I want to know why you were speaking with him without first consulting me."

"Because I don't answer to you," Anatolius said plainly.

"Mind your place, Mr. East. You know full well you must report to me on any matters that go outside your primary mission parameters. This qualifies as one of them."

Ignoring the comment, he reclaimed his weapons at the door and walked out of the Tops with his nemesis at his heels. Outside, the Strip was kicking into high gear.

"Fine."

For the first time since Inculta had came out of nowhere, the man turned to face him.

"The man's name was Isaac. He had important information regarding the whereabouts of Courier Six. He was my only lead, and I followed up on it. Happy?"

"Mm, I see you never found her last night, then," he said tauntingly.

"Very well. We'll see what our Imperator has to say about all of your squandered time when you're back at the Fort. Vale."

"Vale," under his breath, Anatolius sighed with relief. That was close.

They headed off in opposite directions, but he knew Vulpes would keep an eye on him that night. He liked doing that. In turn Anatolius always found a way to frustrate him- his personal favorite was playing a particular game; a game within a game.

He set his eyes on the Gamorrah. Yes, he would start there. His step lightening with his mood, the Legionary passed by strangers he'd never seen before and tipped his hat to them. He conformed to the nightlife. Became it. Something the other Frumentarii simply couldn't do the way he could.

Yes… it was about time to have some fun.

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A/N: Well, there you have it, my original faction has revealed itself! As you can probably imagine, they are a relatively important part of the story especially when it comes to Anato's arc. I hope you guys are still enjoying the mystery as I slowly unravel the history behind Angel and Anatolius, and I'm curious to see how you all are enjoying the story so far and the direction it's headed in, so if you have anything to say leave a review!

Also, I'll be out of town for a good week or so, and won't be updating till I'm back. But I have a really fun chapter lined up for next week! I plan on finally gaining some momentum with the story and don't plan on stopping again until the fall. Stay tuned homies.