Chapter 76: Redundancies
The sentries stood aside as the rider made his way through the camp. The black-haired hound lifted its nostrils into the air to sniff the unfamiliar odor of burning diesel as the newcomer dismounted. As the rider made his way through the camp, every now and then a legionary would call out to him, either as a salute or a jeer. The rider paid it little mind as he strolled towards the central tent. As he did, he took a moment to gaze at the aerial furnace hanging above the camp, and noted the armored soldiers patrolling within the camp alongside the legionaries. The lancers standing guard snapped at attention as the newcomer strode inside.
Awaiting him was the war council of the 4th Legion. Standing at the head of the table, looking over his maps was Scorpio Oklahomus himself, flanked on his right by his legate Tyrus. Around them were several senior and elite centurions, many of them newcomers with quite a few seasoned veterans. Amongst the old-timers were Centurions Franciscan, Basilian, Didacus, Cicero, and Marcellus. Amongst the new blood were Cassius, Felix, Domitius, Vitus, and Carbuncle. The younger centurions were the first to recognize and welcome the newcomer, with the old-timers gradually coming around once they realized who they represented. Scorpio, meanwhile, greeted the newcomer with a cold and menacing stare before gradually revealing a thin and almost warm smile.
"Valerius, how gracious of you to grace us with your presence," Scorpio smiled.
Valerius took a moment to bow in the most theatrical manner he could. "My grandfather's only regret is not meeting you out here in person," the legionary cataphract announced. The tribunal officer Roblesius was one of Scorpio's closest allies in the Senate, alongside that cretin Quincy and that opportunist Hoovus. A veteran of the Legion's earliest conquests, Roblesius had been the first legionary to reach the position of tribunal officer, a military rank that answered only to Caesar, the consular offices, and the Imperial Senate.
Roblesius was also a rather capricious old scamp, having sired his own personal army from his loins and his many partners, ranging from his wives, ex-wives, staff, concubines, neighbors, slaves, and relatives (allegedly). Valerius was the prize bull of these efforts, a gladiator of no small renown and veteran of many of Scorpio's northern conquests. The two shared many interests, behaviors, ideals, and ambitions. Small wonder they hated one another something fierce.
"What news comes our way from Dallas, my brother in steel and iron?" Scorpio asked through his thin-lipped smile.
"Roblesius and Quincy have assumed full command of the 1st Legion and have successfully stood down the 2nd. With Hoovus and his frumentarii, we have secured the capital region," Valerius announced, proudly.
"…But not the Empire," Scorpio slowly curled his lip into a sneer.
Valerius let out an even bigger smile. "Some of the senatorial tribunes have assumed control of the 3rd Legion in addition to other… less than cooperative units within the 2nd. As we speak, they are marching towards Dallas."
Tyrus turned towards Scorpio. "…This isn't good. Quincey and Hoovus aren't warriors, and Roblesius is far past his prime. A standoff could lead to disaster."
"…Who are these rebel commanders?" Scorpio asked.
"Tribunary Officers Evander, Janus, and Aleron seem to be the primary agitators, sir," Valerius bowed his head.
Scorpio said nothing as he fumed internally. Aleron wasn't much of a surprise, he knew that the old-timer was too ensnared by this "New" Legion to ever break from it, but Janus and Evander as well? Janus had many friends amongst the frumentarii, even now, and Evander was easily one of the more capable commanders even in this modern era. With the 5th and 6th Legion guarding the borders of the empire, there was little Scorpio could do to alleviate the situation back home, other than go through with his plan and kill Barabbas and his mutant sister to clear up the succession crisis.
"Thank you, Valerius," Scorpio replied, insincerely. "I'm sure you must be tired after so long a journey."
"Well, a little quality time with some of the camp followers and I'm sure I'll be right back to it," Valerius grinned.
"…Sorry, my friend. I'm afraid we're a little short on women right now," Scorpio shook his head.
"What? No women?" Valerius gasped, incredulously. "What happened to you, Scorp? You used to take care of us!"
"Don't. Call. Me. Scorp," Scorpio enunciated, softly and level. "And I'm afraid that I had to depart during a bit of an emergency, so I couldn't take my usual creature comforts with me. I have two women with me, and I assure you that I use them both well. And you know how I feel about sharing, Valerie."
"HEY, FUCK YOU!" Valerius spat as he drew his twin axes from his belt. "NO ONE CALLS ME THAT ANYMORE, NOT EVEN YOU!"
Several of the centurions all reached for their swords. Tyrus was about to draw his weapon when Scorpio placed a hand on his legate's arm, and slowly, each man in attendance sheathed their weapons. Scorpio's gaze never left that of Valerius. "…Considering how far you traveled on such short notice, I shall forgive your insolent outburst. I'll have the recruits place your dog with the others while you find a spare cot. It's the least I can provide for your troubles."
"ABSOLUTELY RIGHT, IT'S THE LEAST!" Valerius shrieked. "I'm the Coliseum Grand Champion three years running! I practically taught your men how to fight! I deserve a big tent and at least one of the bitches you brought!"
"If this churlish drivel has finally ceased," Scorpio sighed. "I've an important appointment to hold with an indispensable ally. If that is all, please depart."
"You… when my grandfather hears of this, Scorpio, you will regret this treatment," Valerius tried to threaten as he suddenly backed into another figure.
Turning around, he saw that this massive newcomer was around eight feet tall, a lanky but sturdy figure covered in green skin where not metal took its place. Hovering over the figure's shoulders were two extra arms, one with a crab-like pincer, and the other with a hose where a single lick of flame flickered at the nozzle that pointed directly at Valerius's face. The gladiator stared into the hollow eyes that rested above the rebreather.
"…Valerius, I'm sure Tek-Baron Jefferson would be otherwise delighted to make your acquaintance at some other time, but right now more prescient matters have called our attention, so please be so kind as to remove your ass from my sight."
Valerius was about to shoot a snide comeback when the Tek-Baron leaned forward, invading the gladiator's personal space.
"…Do you really want to try me, meatsack?" the deep and reverberating voice of Jefferson asked the gladiator, the tone so deep that Valerius could feel the bass in his chest. Not breaking eye contact, Valerius gradually maneuvered his way outside the tent. Jefferson turned to Scorpio as he advanced towards the table. "You seem to be taking the notion of civil war back in your territories rather lightly, Oklahomus."
"On the contrary, once I eliminate Barabbas, my power will be well and fully consolidated," Scorpio smiled.
"Your solution is simplistic," Jefferson retorted. "One man's death will not diminish the agitators."
"Without someone for them to rally around, they will be divided, splintered by petty infighting. I will be able to conquer my dissenters at my leisure. I will shatter them with my martial prowess, further cementing my legitimacy. Not that it will come to that, as I shall be the first legionary commander in a generation, nay, in history to ever defeat California in the field of battle! I'll be the most legitimate ruler our people have ever seen, no mutant will attempt to argue otherwise," Scorpio declared. "No offense. Not to mention I have two aces up my sleeves. You and Abacus."
"You take my alliance as guaranteed, Oklahomus?" Jefferson asked.
"Abacus will always back a winner, and you… can you think of a better field test for your private army than putting down the NCR now and some whining dissenters later? It'll be fun, I assure you," Scorpio smiled.
Jefferson said nothing, but even behind his mask, Scorpio could tell that his words resonated within the Tek-Baron. Nonetheless, it was going to be vital that the sooner he located Barabbas, the better. He could not risk allowing Barabbas to escape or link up with any potential allies in the east. For all his faults, Barabbas was a warrior's warrior, through and through. Whether at the head of the 2nd Legion or with a host of California mercenaries, Barabbas remained the most insidious and dangerous threat Scorpio could possibly imagine.
Barabbas took another breath as he placed his mouth back onto the stomach of his little sister, blowing another raspberry as she giggled and squirmed. This activity wasn't something the man was usually seen doing, but it had been one of his favorite things to do with his younger sister when they were smaller and in private, and he was in an exceptionally good mood today. As Falco and the riders busied themselves with their tasks as the newly appointed advance cavalry for the AEG, and Kyra had gone to say her goodbyes to Joseph, this left Dinero to watch over the two as they continued their quality time together.
As much as losing Marcy's attention hurt him, seeing her happy with her powerful older brother who could protect her better than he ever could warmed something within him. Still, it felt pretty lonely knowing that of all the folk he was now with, half of them hated his guts, the other half didn't give a damn about him, and the few people he could almost consider to be his friends could barely tolerate him. The more he thought about this, the more he wanted to go home.
"…So that guy is Lanius's kid, right?" a new voice spoke to him.
Dinero looked beside him at the young woman as she took a seat next to the old-timer as they watched the new Caesar begin tickling his little sister into giggling hysterics.
"You knew him? Lanius, I mean?" Rosa asked.
"Me? No, I was too far out into the frontier to ever talk with him. I mostly had to deal with tax collectors and the occasional patrol, but I was usually left to my own devices," Dinero explained. "Why?" he then asked.
"I don't know what I was expecting from the son of the Great and Mighty Monster of the East, but I can't say I was expecting… that," Rosa said as Barabbas began clicking his tongue for his mount. "…Listening to some of the legion guys made him out to be some kind of a hard ass. He just looks like a goof from here."
"I guess it depends on who you are," Dinero shrugged. "He tried to pop my head off when we first met. I guess having his little sister back really mellowed him out."
"Her or Kyra," Rosa muttered to herself. The two had exchanged a brief word as they crossed paths earlier in the morning, but the sounds that had come from the barn had become a story of legend, and Rosa had noticed the other woman trying to hide a limp as she walked. The thought of it almost brought a smile to Rosa's face. Almost.
"…Larain had a message for you," Rosa finally said. Dinero turned to the young woman, finally giving her his full and undivided attention as Belua approached the siblings. "He says, and I quote, "Thanks for what you did back there, Dinero. I really owe you. But if I'm seen anywhere near you again, I'm going to have to beat the shit out of you for appearance's sake. Sorry, I hope you get it." So, yeah, that's his message," Rosa finished.
Dinero let out a laugh. "Oh, that boy. I get it, don't worry."
"You know," Rosa scratched her chin. "I think most of the clanners would be pretty keen about the idea of putting a bullet in you. You might want to think about laying low for a bit, maybe putting some distance from the group while you get your bearings elsewhere."
"I've already thought about that, and I'll have to decline," Dinero shook his head.
"Old man, there's people here who want you dead. Larain can't exactly issue a pardon on your behalf without things looking suspicious, what with you spitting in his face and all."
"I don't need one. I'll just keep my distance from the clanners and hang around with the rest of the old folks, like your old man and Silverhair," Dinero offered.
"…I don't get it," Rosa shook his head. "From the sounds of things, we're walking into a warzone. Shouldn't you just bite the bullet and go west with the rest of the civilians?"
Dinero looked away as he rubbed his eyes. "I… don't think I'm quite ready to go home yet."
"Home? You mean that shitty little shantytown outside the caves?" Rosa asked.
"…No," Dinero shook his head. "Home, I mean."
Cass approached the two as Barabbas sat his sister atop the warhound, slapping the beast's flank as she trotted off so his sister could have a nice and leisurely ride before Falco and the scouts returned. Cassidy knelt beside the onlookers as Barabbas turned towards the three gawkers. Glaring, he proceeded to leave their line of sight by ducking into the shadow of the barn so he could still watch his sister.
"Man, he is getting soft," Cass mused aloud. "Couldn't even give us the finger or something."
"I don't know," Dinero replied. "I think there's something about this new Caesar that the old ones might have missed."
"Like what?" Rosa asked.
"Well, between his riders and the ladies who serve him, I get the distinct impression that these people actually like the guy. Not just respect or fear him, but they actually want him to be happy, and in turn, Barabbas wants what's best for his people, not just what he wants for them," Dinero explained.
"I watched him beat two of his guys because I embarrassed them," Cass offered.
"I mean, he's Legion, what do you expect?" Dinero shrugged. "But what would the First Caesar have done? Or the Second? The fact that they're still breathing isn't something either of the previous ones would have guaranteed, don't you think?" Dinero postulated.
Rosa and Cass said nothing as Belua and Marcy came trotting back. Barabbas hoisted forward onto the saddle as he climbed atop the hound, snapping the reins as he turned the beast towards the onlookers.
"Oh no," Cass muttered as Dinero bowed his head and Rosa stood up. Barabbas pulled the hound alongside the three as he glared down at them. "…Is there something amusing about my actions that makes me so worthy of gawking?"
"Not at all, my lord," Dinero pleaded. "I was just concerned with Mar- with Pariah's well-being that I wished to continue looking over her safety."
"Do you not believe my hands are so capable of looking after my own flesh and blood?" Barabbas asked.
"O-of course not, great Caesar," Dinero shook his head. "It was mostly for my own concern that I watched."
Barabbas then turned to Cass. "Anything you wish to tell me, Silverhair?"
"I just came to see what these two were doing," Cass replied, immediately stalling any further attempts to interrogate her.
"And I just came because I wanted to see how much of a pussy Caesar the 3rd was," Rosa replied.
Barabbas, Cass, and Dinero all turned toward Rosa and stared. Pariah, on the other hand, clasped her hand over her mouth and held her breath.
"…Excuse me, quim?" Barabbas growled.
"I mean, you're supposed to be the badass warlord who's going to unite California and the Mojave against the rest of the wasteland. And what I've seen so far isn't exactly inspiring," Rosa replied. "I mean, so far as I've been around, you've spent more time playing with your sister and railing Kyra than actually commanding your guys."
"I charged the tribals and had to bury my mother afterward!" Barabbas snapped. "I don't have anything to prove to you! If anything, I happen to recall saving your life!"
"You damn near decapitated me with that butcher knife!" Rosa shot back.
"Maybe if you weren't traipsing around the battlefield like a lunatic, it wouldn't have come to that!" Barabbas snarled.
"And why in the hell did you only bring eight guys with you, give or take? You left most of your damn army on the other side of the Rio Grande, what kind of commander are you?!" Rosa snapped.
"This was a search and rescue, not an invasion, you idiot!" Barabbas screamed. "In the time it would take for me to move my Legion this far west, I would barely be out of Texas by now and I had a deadline! Not to mention you of all people giving me lip," he seethed.
"What was that?" Rosa shot back.
"I hear you got yourself abducted by a bunch of pennyante wastelanders despite having an army surrounding YOU," he emphasized. "And you have the gall to lecture me of responsibility? Or is this all just disappointment that I found you wanting after we met the first time?"
"The first time?" Rosa asked.
Barabbas motioned lifting a shirt up to his chin. "I wondered why you looked so familiar. At that wretched Res town, you and Silverhair both tried to accost me and you, inebriated, showcased your modest mammaries and that hideous tattoo on your ribs."
Rosa lifted her shirt enough to get a good look at the Ace of Spades right under her breast. As usual, just like with the tattoo, her decision-making skills while drunk remained impeccable. She then looked over to Cass, who could only modestly nod in affirmation to Barabbas's claim.
"So if you'll excuse me, I'll deal with my responsibilities as I see fit and leave you to your own, such as they are," Caesar scoffed as he turned away from the group, leaving his verbal adversary defeated. Or so he thought.
"Big talk for someone who got punked out by a blind man! TWICE!"
Barabbas stopped Belua in her tracks. Slowly, Barabbas turned his head until he was slightly glancing at Rosa. A slow and menacing smile crept onto his face.
"…The blind cripple, you mean?"
Suddenly, Barabbas was jolted out of his saddle, Pariah grabbing the reins to keep from falling. Caesar fell onto the ground in a heap, his blurry vision returning to him as he felt the pain in his jaw subside. Steadily gathering himself, as his hearing returned he could hear the sounds of laughter coming from Rosa.
"HE JUST KNOCKED THE FUCK OUT OF YOU, BITCH!" Rosa crowed as Dinero and Cass dragged her away, lest she incite another incident. Rubbing his jaw, Barabbas climbed back onto the saddle as he heard his little sister tittering in glee.
Don't you start, too!
I mean, I don't think she's wrong, you're kind of out of it.
Am not.
Are too.
Whatever. She doesn't know a thing she's talking about.
I mean, you both feel guilty.
Barabbas rapt his knuckles against Pariah's skull.
None of that.
You feel guilty about dragging your friends this far out here, about how you treated Kyra, and about what happened to Mom. She feels guilty because now that her job is done, she has a ticket to go back home, but that would mean leaving her friends behind and remaining in danger. She's already put them at risk once, so her guilt will keep her with the AEG long after she otherwise would have gone home.
What's your point?
You both beat yourselves up over how your decisions impact other people, even if there wasn't anything you could have done. Mom wasn't your fault, and America wasn't hers.
What about America?
She's a friend, Barabbas, she only wants what's best for her people. So maybe just learn to work with her rather than taking every jab personally.
We'll see about that.
I do pray that you will both not hesitate to assist her going forward.
Barabbas and Pariah both came to a stop, Belua pausing to sniff the air.
Hey, preacher, this is a private conversation!
My humblest apologies, Caesar, but I just wanted to make sure that none of the lingering hard feelings about my prior demonstrations will reflect poorly on Rosa.
Eat shit and die, parson!
Once again, Barabbas was jolted off Belua. Pariah once again took the reins and picked up the conversation in lieu of her brother.
I'm sorry he's an idiot.
Marcy, can I trust you to look after Rosa in my stead? I know she can be quite the handful, but your earlier assessment has merit. The path ahead is tumultuous, and she will need all the help that I can no longer provide in my current condition.
You have my word, preacher, I will protect Rosa for your sake.
"And for that I thank you," Joseph whispered as the stretcher was picked from the ground by two former Pelt-Brute thralls. Melody walked alongside him as he joined the rest of the civilians and wounded as they evacuated the encampment to head to the western settlement. As they walked, Joseph bade his carriers to stop every now and then so he could talk with his friends before he left.
"Inspector Huerta, you have my word that I will watch Javier and Antonio. Melody says that a few weeks out of action will be especially good for their healing. No, the trek west shouldn't exacerbate anything, I assure you. Their nation hasn't abandoned them, nor has it to you."
"Kim, I thank you for looking after Rosa. Sometimes I think yours is the only language that can get through to her. I know you aren't on the best terms with your Aunt Moore, but I know she would be proud of the woman and the soldier you have become. You are a mighty shield, Kimberly, and your services will be needed by many now more than ever."
"Tobey, Carla, your father couldn't be prouder of both of you. You have both demonstrated the resilience and tenacity of true warriors. Stick together, don't forget that family is the strongest bond there is. And anything that gets between you two, whatever and whoever it happens to be, may just be another part of the finest family in Vegas."
"Mr. Frost, I'm sorry we couldn't have that interview when we had the time. Your work will be remembered for generations, my friend, all you have done and are about to do. Whatever is coming I'm glad you're here to witness and record for posterity. Memories can be fragile things, sometimes the most precious. When this is all over and you finally write that book you've been planning to write after the documentary, could you send me a copy? Or an audio recording?"
"Jimmy, I know we never really saw eye to eye, but I want you to know, from the bottom of my heart, I have always appreciated having you beside me. You're a skeptic, and I respect that. Lord knows that my gifts are hardly of divine nature. But faith has its place, and not just in the things you can see and touch and know. True faith, in the things you cannot see, is indispensable. Rosa's right to have faith in you. She always saw you as a brother. Or, perhaps as a cousin would be a better descriptor?"
"…Um, Joseph, Kyra's here, too…"
"What the… Oh, right, I forgot about your… condition. Don't let the doubters discourage you, you are good for him and so many others. Not all affection is physical, nor is all intimacy. That all being said, I'd warn to you beware of any hearts you may break. Be careful in that as you temper one beast, you don't create another. You were brought into this without your consent, but now you can make your own calls."
"…You can stop laughing, now."
"I wasn't saying anything!" Dalton snapped.
Joseph sighed as Melody got between the two men, for all the good that would do, and placed a hand on her husband's shoulder.
"My misfortune pleases you. Take what comfort you can from it and try to have it warm what little light you still have within you. I won't try to shame you or preach fire and brimstone because not only will such attempts amuse you, they'll distract from the truly important lessons. Like how you've never been this happy in years. How for the first time in forever, you wake up with meaning and purpose. And how, for the first time since you can remember, the binds of your past have led you to some kind of meaningful future, however limited it may be. One last mission, one only you can do. May you find more meaning in the end than you ever did before. Goodbye, Dalton."
The refugees continued their march to the west, the too young and the too old and the wounded and those who would look after them. Daphne gave her daughter a hug as her girls promised to look after Tia. Javier and Antonio both saluted their senior officer, who broke protocol as he embraced his men in farewell. And from a hill overlooking everything, Rosa saw the blind man on a stretcher as he was carried off toward the sunset. The doctor beside him whispered into his ear, and the blind man perked his head up and smiled. Rosa smiled in kind. There was nothing more that needed to be said.
