“We’re on an approach vector to McCarran Airfield now,” said the pilot, watching the instruments as he spoke to the passengers. In the back seats of the Vertibird were four men in matte-black T-60 Power Armor and one in a crisp suit. Emblazoned proudly on the outside of the Vertibird was the ARM insignia. Eventually, they were in radio range. The pilot flicked on the radio.

“This is the Aegis Risk Management Vertibird ‘Courser’, requesting landing permission, an approved approach vector, and wind heading plus speed,” he spoke into the radio, turning on the Vertibird’s lights and beginning to slow down the vehicle. After some hesitation, the pilot got landing permission.

They approached the airport, passing by the city, and began to land. The Vertibird came down slowly, the door opening once it touched the ground. The four power-armor clad soldiers came out first, and finally, last out came the suited man. They stood by the Vertibird, waiting to see if anybody showed up to greet them.

Sam & Sherman - Free Commonwealth of PA
As Sherman sat in on the meeting, the door opened as one of his colleagues walked in, and headed towards him. He leaned I and whispered in his ear. Sherman stood from his seat, “Please excuse me. I am currently being summoned.” He left the room and headed towards his suite. He handed a message to the messenger and he departed towards Vault 21.

Over at Vault 21, Sam was also approached by one of her colleagues. AS she stood up, “I’m very sorry Pontiff, our congress is sending a message and I must excuse myself. However, please consider what I said in regards to Three Mile Island.”

The messenger handed Sam the note, and she quickly read it as she headed towards their suite at the Ultra-Luxe. She walked into the room, and headed for the communications center they had set up in one of the rented rooms. She looked at the screen and before her was the Speaker of the Assembly, the Senate majority leader, and the heads of the political parties.

Sam bowed her head to greet them, “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for contacting us so early into our meetings. It is not as if we were in the middle of negotiations or anything. I am sure whatever you have to say must be important.”

“There’s no need for your attitude. We simply wish to ensure you haven’t dragged us into a war or conflict,” Replied a large, hefty man. He was the leader of the Whig party, and they currently controlled both houses and were proponents of peace.

“You can rest assured that conflict will not come from me. However, I cannot say the same for my fellow delegate here. As we all know the Vult party wishes nothing but to drag us into conflict.” Sam replied as she nodded to Sherman.

Sherman shook his head in disagreement and smirked, “You’re just unwilling to see the truth. The cult is a threat to our people and we need action. However, I may have found an alternative. I have forwarded you all a copy of an agreement of cooperation for the various nations on the east coast. Please read in its entirety and take to both houses for immediate vote. Essentially it will guarantee military aid if we do ever get attacked by the Cult.”

“For once, I must agree with my fellow delegate. Master Rodin, I left leadership of the party to you, I expect a yes vote from you and our fellow reps.” Sam spoke agreeing with Sherman and then addressing the larger man on the screen.

The screen went blank as the connection was terminated. Sam motioned for everyone to leave the room except for Sherman and two fellow delegates that were leaning against the wall. Sherman went to the terminal and made a new connection. A dark cloaked figure appeared on the screen, he was in a room dimly lit by torches.

Sam and the others bent their right knee and bowed their heads and they all said at once, “Intellectus Dominus, we are most pleased to be in your presence. Please guide us further.”

“No need for pageantry. I have intercepted and copied that document you sent to the party leaders. I must say these factions came up with a good idea for an alliance. This should give the cowards within the Whigs, the necessary push to go and attack the idolaters of the Cult. We will be able to finally wipe the heretic filth from existence. I will call forth the various leaders of our chapters, and put to action a plan. Sam, just ensure that the construction of the defensive line continues without problem. It took much wrangling to get it pushed through the appropriations committee. Once war comes, we’ll need those defenses to protect our people.”

“You can count on me my lord. Before, I left I made sure nothing would derail the project. Also, I am working on having the Armed Forces committee to have them place General de Payens in charge of the Army.” Sam replied as she looked down at the ground.

“Good. Then we shall have control of our armed forces. As we speak I have the best blacksmiths and engineers completing the armors for our soldiers. Soon the army of the righteous shall march. Now go forth and keep a diligent eye on the heathens.”

“Deus Vult,” They replied back and the screen went dark.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was morning already and the start of the 2nd day would soon begin. Same prepared herself, and waited for the others to get ready. They headed down to the conference room. Once again two of her guards, in the formal colonial outfits stood outside the door to the conference room, and the other four kept watch outside the casino and explored the area.

Sam and her fellow black clad delegates took a seat at the table to await the delegates. There would be much to be discussed with fellow members of the Keys and the Eastern delegates. Also, the COA would be a most welcome addition, especially if they had tech to offer.

Raging Bear, Kodiak Commander- Kodiak Airport
Commander Bear looked at the Scribe who'd introduced herself as 'Nakamura' with suspicion and shook his head. "I'm sorry, but I'm not authorized to accept that. You'll need to talk to the Boss or be directed to whoever's the contract handler when you get to the Mother Base. Get in the back of the supply truck and they'll take you to base via boat." He pointed a hand to the supply truck and the bear fur clad soldiers who only watched silently through their goggles.

The mechanic driving the truck nodded to the Scribe as she hopped in the cab while the other soldiers got in the bed of the truck. "I apologize if the Old Bear wasn't too kind to you. You have to understand, we take in troops from all over. He deserted some Brotherhood Chapter in, errrr, Washington? Or was it Oregon? Well, anyway, he gets wary of other former family picking a fight with him. He's a good man otherwise. That Brotherhood discipline makes him a good leader." He quieted down and put in an old holotape to kill the silence. After a short trip, they finally arrived. "Here we are, folks. The boats to our home. Arctic Haven."

Arctic Haven, AKA Mother Base

Commander Fulman stood looking out of the window of the old Base Commander's office in the admin building overseeing the smooth chains and gears of their organization at work. Soldiers marching in formations, in the far end of the base he could see the troops at work in their war games, in this case, practicing against a decommissioned tank. A few vertibirds were moving in and out over the hours when the radio at his shoulder came to life. "Come in, Boss. This is Base Transport, do you copy?" John nodded to no one who could see, "I do. What is it?" The voice on the other end sounded hesitant, "It's the, er, the Brotherhood sir. They've come with some kind of payment and they've come for the weapon, sir." John frowned, "I see. And they're almost to the dock?" The woman hesitated again, "Well, we're only feet from the dock to Base. We've already followed proper protocol, but this felt like something you s-" "Enough. Have them sent to admin. And have those elites who escorted them go to the warehouse. And Support?" A third wave of hesitation emanated, "S-Sir?" "You should have alerted me to the Brotherhood's presence before they got on the damn boat. Now drop and give me fifty 8 counts, then go back to your assigned tasks. Over and out."

John put on his winterized overcoat, really just recycled Pre-War Officer's gear, and descended the stairs of the Admin building and light a cigar in the doorway before heading out into the wind of the morning. The jeep soon pulled up the drive to the heavy oak doors of the Admin building, dropping off the Brotherhood escort and the Scribe. "I'm John Fulman, commander of the Arctic Haven forces. It's good to meet you, Scribe.....?"

As they arrived at the silo housing....it...John sighed a heavy sigh, "Let's head inside." Two soldiers in winterized T-45d Power Armor watched the door vigilantly and saluted sharply when John approached. "Clearance Code OC-23-77", John stated then the camera above the door robotically pinged "Access Granted." They descended a muddy stair going straight down. "My apologies for the mess. Apparently there's a waterleak or snow melts into the place and it's built up over time. We don't allow anyone in here, nukes are like the worst apple in the garden of Eden and too many men are tempted to bite in." They went down a hall with a flickering light overhead and when John pushed open a rusted metallic sealing door, the room opened into a poorly lit expanse, overlooking the silo and its payload. "Pardon the lights, we've only been able to get the place up the 37% capacity, the back up generator's apparently been on before and blown a fuse or two and the power generator that should be running this place is shot to shit and we don't have anyone familiar with nuclear reactor technology. Lights are minimally and selectively on in here, mostly rooms we'll use while you're here. The rest of what power does flow is to the silo blast doors. And here she is, the beast herself." He stopped just before the balcony rails and waved his arms across the expanse of the room. Upon approaching the edge, it was clear as day even in this dimness, the raw and merciless power of a warhead before the assembled tour's eyes. John clenched his jaw, "As much as I hate to say this, you have to respect the aura of power the very sight of it reverberates."

McCarran Air Traffic Control Tower

“This is the Aegis Risk Management Vertibird ‘Courser’, requesting landing permission, an approved approach vector, and wind heading plus speed,” he spoke into the radio, turning on the Vertibird’s lights and beginning to slow down the vehicle. After some hesitation, the pilot got landing permission.”

“Permission granted. Please proceed to the runway and allow inspection of your vehicle.”

Upon landing, the Aegis Risk delegates would be met by a securitron. Unlike the other delegates, it did not have a personality fashioned for them, as their visit had been a bit of a surprise. A group of securitrons would then roll forth and guide them to the Gourmand of the Ultra-Luxe, the site of the convention.

Robert Edwin House - President, C.E.O, and Sole Proprietor of the FZM
Lucky 38

"People like us Robert...we're few and far between now. Echoes of the Old World, ghosts of the past. That's what these people call us. This wasteland....its a nightmare, a horror-show, full of degenerates and mutants, murderers and psychopaths...and all the while these new 'nations' if you can call them that, squabble over our country like rabid dogs fighting over the carcass of a long dead animal. It sickens me. But perhaps there is hope, hope that the Old World will reclaim what it had once lost. Hope that one day, the world will be ours again....and perhaps, just perhaps, we'll create a far better world, better even the one that existed before..."

“Jesus, Thomas. Are you certain that these words are not being uttered by your real mouth?” Robert scoffed and addressed the algorithm again. “I am glad that you feel the same way as I. Technological visionaries must rule our progression into the future – the lion’s share of these pretenders wouldn’t know what to do with the breadcrumbs of the old world, even if they possessed them.”

Mr. House looked at Jane. “Jane, I want you to prepare for the transfer of my transmission to the Gourmand. Day Two is underway and I am nearly done conversing with Dr. Milburne.” He returned his vision to the holotape. “I will be pleased to see what we can accomplish together, Thomas, but I have to admit that your creation does not sound infallible; you dropped these ‘synthetics’ on my doorstep, but if you had not intervened, they would have lived an entire lifetime outside of your jurisdiction. My securitrons do not have the mental capability to stray from their goal. I have no need for subterfuge with them – they only know their programming.”

“I have forged an alliance with the Midwestern Chapter of the Brotherhood of Steel, a partnership that is very valuable to me. They are perhaps the only post-war children whom I would deem worthy of scouring through old world tech. Unlike their western power-armored contemporaries, they seem to have a meticulous grasp on the use and progression of technology, as I. Therefore, if we are to parlay, then we will have to open a conversation with the Brotherhood of Steel…it doesn’t take the logic of RobCo’s founder to understand that the concept of your ‘synths’ could confuse or even anger their leader, ‘Barnaky’.”

Mr. House then prepared a closing statement to the algorithm. “If you want your work to run alongside mine, then let us truly speak. This coded program of yours is impressive, but superficial. I have a summit to attend to.” With that, Robert re-directed his signal to the Gourmand, and his face flickered onto the terminal screen set up on the end of the table.

“Greetings, esteemed guests, and welcome to the second day of the New Vegas Convention. I open the floor to any delegates willing to make announcements and-or begin discussion.”

Thomas's AI Holotape - Lucky 38 27th Floor

“Jesus, Thomas. Are you certain that these words are not being uttered by your real mouth?” Robert scoffed and addressed the algorithm again. “I am glad that you feel the same way as I. Technological visionaries must rule our progression into the future – the lion’s share of these pretenders wouldn’t know what to do with the breadcrumbs of the old world, even if they possessed them.”

"I'm glad you agree, although I expected nothing less." The voice replied

Mr. House looked at Jane. “Jane, I want you to prepare for the transfer of my transmission to the Gourmand. Day Two is underway and I am nearly done conversing with Dr. Milburne.” He returned his vision to the holotape. “I will be pleased to see what we can accomplish together, Thomas, but I have to admit that your creation does not sound infallible; you dropped these ‘synthetics’ on my doorstep, but if you had not intervened, they would have lived an entire lifetime outside of your jurisdiction. My securitrons do not have the mental capability to stray from their goal. I have no need for subterfuge with them – they only know their programming.”

"You touch it with a needle Robert. One of the many reasons I wished to contact you. But that will have to be a conversation for another time I'm afraid. The intricacies of this...problem, necessitate an in person conversation. Speaking vicariously through an AI system will not do. Although, if I'm being honest, the Synths were in never in unsafe hands. The guards of 'Don Salvatore' for instance, did you notice that they did not react? They are synths as well, but a different kind of synth...Institute Coursers. But..more on that later."

“I have forged an alliance with the Midwestern Chapter of the Brotherhood of Steel, a partnership that is very valuable to me. They are perhaps the only post-war children whom I would deem worthy of scouring through old world tech. Unlike their western power-armored contemporaries, they seem to have a meticulous grasp on the use and progression of technology, as I. Therefore, if we are to parlay, then we will have to open a conversation with the Brotherhood of Steel…it doesn’t take the logic of RobCo’s founder to understand that the concept of your ‘synths’ could confuse or even anger their leader, ‘Barnaky’.”

"The Brotherhood of Steel..." the voice's tone scowled out the name with spite, no doubt reflecting the deep-seeded emotions of the man it was emulating, "Now this I'm afraid does disappoint me Robert. That you would associate with such people. Hooligans who've scavenged from United States military equipment and thought this gives them a right to police the world. To think they know better than us? Hmmph. My time in this wasteland has been relatively short and I've already encountered their zealotry first-hand. I would be wary of them Robert, very wary."

“If you want your work to run alongside mine, then let us truly speak. This coded program of yours is impressive, but superficial. I have a summit to attend to.”

"Agreed. Until our next meeting...or rather, until our first meeting....goodbye Robert. Units. Reinitialize 'Cosa Nostra' subroutine. Authorization code Omega 3 1 Nova. ."

The voice of the program cut out as a series of jazzy notes began emanating from it, followed by the lovely voice of a young woman. The synths that had been Salvatore, Antony, and Lucia suddenly stood back up straight, looking a bit dazed but otherwise unaffected.

"What...uh...what happened?" Salvatore asked.

"The meeting went very well Don Borgio," one of the guards responded, in a strangely monotone sounding voice, "Mr. House agreed to your proposal. Don't you remember? He was also quite pleased with Lucia's performance holotape and wished to have her sing a number at The Aces Theatre for Vegas to enjoy."

"Oh yes...yes of course," The Don replied, "I remember now. Excellent!"

Antony rubbed his head, confused. He didn't remember any of that happening....and then he did. The memories came flooding back to him quickly. He remembered House and his father talking, House enjoying Lucia's melody...of course, how could he forget?

"The Aces Theatre..." Lucia said dreamily, "I can't wait!"

"The summit is resuming shortly," The guard said as he walked over to the holotape player and popped the tape out of the tray. He then slid it into his suit jacket pocket, "We should return to the Gourmand as quickly as possible Don Borgio."

"Ah yes! Lets! Come children, we shouldn't delay." With that, the group of 'New Yorkers' immediately departed the Lucky 38 and returned to the Ultra Luxe, where they once more took their seats and listened as House spoke. To all the world, and themselves, they were nothing more than a crime family from New York looking to make it big. They were real again.

Offut AFB 0715 (6:15 PDT)

"Three hours ago", the briefing officer said, "One of our cargo planes, returning from a mission to deliver cargo to a contractor in Brownsville, Texas, picked up NCR tactical radio comm traffic in Northern Mexico. This is an alarming development to say the least. It could mean that the NCR is trying to flank the Legion forces and either attack them from behind...or perhaps an attack on the Legion capital in Santa Fe. Needless to say, that will put the NCR into direct confrontation with us."

Paladin Harris, and his Wingman Paladin Torres both nodded grimly. They were well aware that the elite Brimstone Guards Brigade had been deployed to Santa Fe...for this very contingency.

"The source of the signals is somewhere in Chihuahua, Mexico.", the officer continued. "We've got a tanker en route to Albuquerque, you will rendezvous there to refuel then proceed south into Mexico. Your mission will be to conduct aerial reconnaissance of the target area, then return to report. Intelligence believes that any NCR force will be traveling along either Federal Highway 2 or 10, so start there."

"Sir", asked Paladin Harris, "What are the rules of engagement?"

"Do not engage NCR forces unless fired upon", the officer replied. "With that said, we want them left with no doubt in thier minds that we know they are there...so feel free to be creative." He then added, "Just be careful...your Hellions are the only two we have."

West of El Paso, TX - 7:30 MDT (two hours later)

The Hellions headed south into Mexico, picking up the old Mexican highway Federal Route 2, and following it about 5000 feet up. Cruising along, they overflew the highway, which was deserted except for a small caravan. After about 10 minutes, they began to approach the ruins of Ascensión, which had been one of the larger towns in the area Pre-War. Beyond it, approaching the town, was a large column moving East down the Highway towards the town.

"That's gotta be it", Harris said triumphantly to Torres over the com, "Look at the size of that column....there is several thousand men at least!" He then added...I'm making my run.....watch my back." Harris descended to about 500 feet then started the cameras in the recon pod along the center-line of his aircraft and kicked in the afterburner and made his run, speeding over the column just over the speed of sound. Once clear, he banked right then made a second run, this time parallel to the NCR column. As he sped by, he could see the column was thrown into disarray. The then made a run down the other side, once again parallel to the column. He then waggled his wings at the astonished NCR troopers, shut off his camera pod, and proceeded to follow the road again, down the direction the NCR force had come.

"Well, that certainly got their attention", Torres said with a laugh, "You should have seen them scatter when you flew over them...too funny!"

"That'll make the highlight reel", Harris said with a chuckle, "We'll see if that's all of them then it's back home. Command will want to know about this."

Titus Crassus - Queastor of The Legion

“Greetings, esteemed guests, and welcome to the second day of the New Vegas Convention. I open the floor to any delegates willing to make announcements and-or begin discussion.”

Once House had begun speaking, Titus had immediately focus his attention on the terminal from whence the voice of self-proclaimed King of The Mojave was emanating from. As much as he might try to deny it, it was hard to argue that despite having created a den of vice and sin, for perhaps no other reason than self-aggrandizement, House had a commanding presence about him. He was as intelligent as he was wealthy, and maybe his 'personal' (albeit indirect) attendance would ensure a far more productive and focused day than the previous had been.

Following House, Titus spoke first,

"If I have the floor, I would like to make a formal proposition to the assembled delegates here," He began, speaking as calmly and eloquently as would be expected for a Queastor, "My request is simple. I wish for this assemblage of nations and peoples to formally, and officially, denounce the New California Republic and its junior President Kimball, for its actions both at this summit and militarily in Arizona. By sending a rude and uncouth impostor to stand-in for its weak and ineffectual President, it has insulted every single member of this summit and has spurned both diplomatic and common courtesy. Furthermore, the preemptive invasion of Arizona, which was underway well before their delegates even sat down for the so-called 'peace negotiations' was an affront to the the very purpose of this meeting itself, and a direct insult to all parties involved."

Titus paused for a few moments, letting his words stand for the delegates to contemplate before he continued with gusto,

"If we here, now, as assembled nations of this continent, issue a formal denouncement of The NCR and their foolish actions here, we will be sending a message to the NCR people. No doubt Kimball will try and spin his actions, and those of his minions, as some sort of heroic struggle back home. Something that he was forced in to to protect his people or defend his nation. Or some other such utter nonsense. I wish the NCR people to know and understand just who is responsible for the current state they are in and who will have been the direct cause of their torments to follow. President Kimball Jr..."

Governor of New Houston and President of the Confederation Harris

Hours after the Sphere agreements, the whole Texan retinue made its way to the newest meeting. They were rested and looking their sharpest, with fresh grey suits and grey Texan Rangers behind them. In the early morning sun, they looked silvery. They entered the meeting room with no flourishes or announcements as Harris desired. This would be a day for real progress not artful displays.

Not many factions were present. It seemed the chaos caused by the NCR had driven away diplomacy, or at least confused them beyond their means. The whole hall seemed hollow. Except Vault 99 was also present. His delegation did well in not reacting, but he could see gears running in their heads. Then the Legion took the stand.

"If I have the floor, I would like to make a formal proposition to the assembled delegates here," He began, speaking as calmly and eloquently as would be expected for a Queastor, "My request is simple. I wish for this assemblage of nations and peoples to formally, and officially, denounce the New California Republic and its junior President Kimball, for its actions both at this summit and militarily in Arizona. By sending a rude and uncouth impostor to stand-in for its weak and ineffectual President, it has insulted every single member of this summit and has spurned both diplomatic and common courtesy. Furthermore, the preemptive invasion of Arizona, which was underway well before their delegates even sat down for the so-called 'peace negotiations' was an affront to the the very purpose of this meeting itself, and a direct insult to all parties involved."

Titus paused for a few moments, letting his words stand for the delegates to contemplate before he continued with gusto,

"If we here, now, as assembled nations of this continent, issue a formal denouncement of The NCR and their foolish actions here, we will be sending a message to the NCR people. No doubt Kimball will try and spin his actions, and those of his minions, as some sort of heroic struggle back home. Something that he was forced in to to protect his people or defend his nation. Or some other such utter nonsense. I wish the NCR people to know and understand just who is responsible for the current state they are in and who will have been the direct cause of their torments to follow. President Kimball Jr..."

The move was expected. The Legion was attempting to claim the moral high ground, hoping that they could use the NCR’s rash action to cover their own faults. It was plain to him that the NCR acted poorly, but Texas couldn’t abandon them by assenting to the Legion’s statement. It would be more powerful to deny them with the whole Co Prosperity Sphere behind them. If that wouldn’t work, then he’d have to recalculate.
A few minutes after the Legion’s statement, he replied starkly across the table to Titus “The Free Confederation of Texan States will take time to consider your proposal.”, he paused while giving the word for rangers to carry a statement inviting the Pennsylvanians, Keynesians, and Franklinians to discuss how to respond to and deny the Legion’s proposal during a pause in the deliberations. Each nation would receive the message from a grey clad Texas Ranger.

He turned his voice back to address the convention. “Now I would like to inquire about a matter we can surely agree on.”, he let that hang in the air for a few moments. “What action is being carried out against the Cult of Ug-Qualoth? My scouts report fighting in the north. This cult seems to defy basic human rights, and we believe action against them might be necessary”.

Fort Bliss- Ranger Commander Jensen Banks
“Yessir, those are two unidentified bogies scattering the NCR ranks. Faster than any other known operational flying vehicle.” The operator said as the fuzzy camera footage played out in real time on one of the many screens in Fort Bliss’s command center. Jensen could see the fearful soldiers throwing themselves to the ground as dark shapes swooped over their heads at low altitude.

“Can you get me a high resolution image?”, he replied with grim fascination.

“Images from our high altitude eyebot are coming in.” he pressed a few keys on the terminal. Lines of pixels began filling in on the screen until a whole picture of the bizarre looking aircraft was on the screen. And the Midwestern Brotherhood of Steel insignia was proudly plastered on it.

He stared at the image for a few moments, thinking of his options. While he’d prefer to radio New Austin for instructions, there wasn’t much time. There was a way he could figure out where the Hellions had come from, which could be immensely helpful if the troops were mobilized. War seemed imminent whether or not he did this.

“Mobilize the Stingray Deluxes. Order them not to engage. Pursue the Midwestern craft at safe, non threatening distance. Find out where they’re coming from.”

It wasn’t long before the two jets rocketed off of Fort Bliss’s ancient runway. He marveled at the beautiful aircraft as they took off, taking in the elegant power of their pre-war designs. He had grown up in conditions resembling the old world’s late 1800s, and now here he was observing inventions of the late 21st century take flight. The progress Texas had made was truly remarkable.

The operator broke the moment by explaining the obvious. “Senior Airman Adam Piler and Senior Airman Teagan Jones are in the air, sir. The Grey Hawks are on course.”

Over Northern Mexico - appx 7:45 AM CDT

"Greg", A.N.I.T.A said in his wife's voice, "New contacts bearing 135 degrees, range 86 nautical miles. Designating Romeo 1 and 2."

A.N.I.T.A was short for Autonomous Navigation Intercept and Tactical Assistant, the on-board computer. A.N.I.T.A was the legacy of the aircraft's beginnings as a project of the Calculator. Originally intended to operate the aircraft itself, it was retooled into a AI equivalent of a RIO, or "Guy in Back" as they called them before the War. While A.N.I.T.A could still fly the aircraft if necessary, the Order was reluctant to rely too heavily on robots. The boffins programmed it to talk to the pilot in the voice of their spouse...if they had one...as pre-war studies they had found in the Calculator's archives had shown a pilot would react quicker to the voice of someone they had an emotional bond with.

"Thank you, Anita", Paladin Harris said, "Please classify."

"ESM signature and analysis indicates contacts are modified Stingray Fighters", A.N.I.T.A replied, "They are consistent with aircraft known to be operated by the Confederation, and they took off from their airstrip at Ft Bliss." A.N.I.T.A them added, "Be advised, they have detected us and are closing rapidly, ETA ten minutes."

"Rick", Harris radioed his wingman, "you see the bogies?"

"Yes, sir", Torres radioed back. "Looks like the Texans want to play....what do we do?"

"Finish up our mission as best we can and get out of here", Harris replied. "Command has enough on it's plate already, without us starting a war with Texas. Hate to say it, but we're gonna have to let them take the first shot. Keep your eyes peeled while I call this in"

Harris then directed A.N.I.T.A to switch him to the command link and advised Offut of the situation. Not surprisingly, they directed them to not fire at the Texan aircraft unless fired upon, and to terminate the mission once Highway 2 had been checked as far as Agua Prieta for further NCR forces.

"Wilco", Harris replied, then switched back to the tac frequency and notified Rick of their orders. The next half hour was nerve-wracking, as they flew above the highway, with one eye over their shoulder at the Texans. But it seemed that they were probably under orders not to engage as well, as they slowed down once they reached about 25nm, well outside of missile range for a Stingray, and tailed them. Finally, they reached the ruins of Agua Prieta, finding nothing but locals and one NCR supply convoy. Their mission now completed, they turned north into Legion territory, where the Tanker was waiting for them above Albuquerque.

"Time to get gas", Harris said to Torres over the radio, "If our 'friends' follow, we'll have to take turns filling up. Maybe this'll convince Command to fix up some more fighters rather than wait until we can get these into series production."

The Gourmand - Later that day

Barnaky, followed by Brothers Martin and Joseph, strode into the conference room, arriving at the last minute. They had been held up waiting for materials to arrive from home....photos and film from the Photo-Recon mission they had run this morning, and film footage of a incident that happened this morning in a settlement just over the Indiana border. Barnaky noticed that many of the delegates that had been here yesterday had not returned....thankfully one of them had been the damned Cultists. The Legion, the Texans...including a delegation from Vault 99, the Pennsylvanians, the Children, and the NCR, of course, among others...including apparently a delegation from New York City..were here. no sooner did he take a seat than House began the conference with a short speech, then opened the floor to the delegates. First to speak was Titus, the Legion representative. Barnaky considered that unfortunate because he had hoped to pass along the briefing he had received before he spoke...but it wouldn't hurt much as it had already been passed along to Lucius's general staff as quickly as they could manage, it may even have already reached Lucius himself by now. He directed Martin to pass the briefing to one of Titus's aides so he could peruse it after his speech.

Titus's speech was quite good, he was using the boorish behavior of the NCR representative against them quite effectively, he thought. He especially liked how he wrapped it up.

"If we here, now, as assembled nations of this continent, issue a formal denouncement of The NCR and their foolish actions here, we will be sending a message to the NCR people", Titus said in conclusion, "No doubt Kimball will try and spin his actions, and those of his minions, as some sort of heroic struggle back home. Something that he was forced in to to protect his people or defend his nation. Or some other such utter nonsense. I wish the NCR people to know and understand just who is responsible for the current state they are in and who will have been the direct cause of their torments to follow. President Kimball Jr..."

Barnaky decided he would second the proposal, he would also use the opportunity to reveal just how treacherous the NCR had actually been....given the sizable force less than a hundred miles from Las Cruces, in Legion territory, had to have been on the march for a week or more before they launched their attack on the Legion's Western border. It might also get some clarity from the Texans....after all, they knew all about the NCR force from the speed with which they responded to his pilots.

“The Free Confederation of Texan States will take time to consider your proposal.”, the Texas representative replied tersely as he gestured for some of his retinue to approach several other representatives, those from the Keys, the Pennsylvanians, and the delegation from Franklin.

“Now I would like to inquire about a matter we can surely agree on.”, the Texan paused for effect, then continued. “What action is being carried out against the Cult of Ug-Qualoth? My scouts report fighting in the north. This cult seems to defy basic human rights, and we believe action against them might be necessary”.

"The gentleman from Texas is correct", Barnaky stood up and replied. "there is fighting in the North, the Cult's bestial behavior violates all norms of human decency, and something needs to be done about them...and I am doing just that. At 3:00AM this morning, my forces have advanced into what was Indiana, to begin the first stage of a campaign to break their power completely before they become a threat to everyone in what was the United States."

"while I have plenty to say about this campaign, and the necessity of it", Barnaky continued, "I am not prepared to move on the subject of the NCR's aggression and mendacity just yet." He then gestured and Martin and Joseph's aides began passing out manila folders to each delegation. Inside the photographs was aerial photographs, some taken at relatively close range, a estimate of the NCR force size and composition, and a map showing their location less than one hundred miles south of Legion territory, along with the projected line of attack, North along I-25 to Albuquerque and then to the Legion capital of Santa Fe.

"Now", Barnaky continued, "no Infantry force can march 400 miles in two days, so it is obvious that Kimball launched this offensive a week or more before this conference even began. And somehow, I don't think Kimball would have withdrew them even if Lucius Caesar had given in to Kimball's territorial demands. Five years ago, my Brothers and Sisters met the NCR in battle outside of Albuquerque. the comprehensive defeat of the NCR forces under General Moore resulted in the Impeachment and removal from office of the current President's father. I had hoped that the son would have learned from the Father's mistakes...but sadly he did not. The NCR will continue to expand, papering over it's mismanagement of it's economy and what resources that our wastrel ancestors didn't manage to squander before they destroyed themselves, then move on to the next victim once they have bled it dry. It is clear now that this pattern will never end until they are forced to change. So, with great regret, I have no choice but to state the following. If the NCR has not withdrawn it's forces in Legion territory, and the force currently in Mexico, by 4:00 PM Pacific Time tomorrow, then a state of war shall be considered to exist between the Midwestern Order and the New California Republic. Though as a concession, I will not object if the latter force turns themselves over to the Confederation for internment until the cessation of hostilities...due to their close proximity to the NCR force's current position."

Barnaky then sat down, adding. "And for the record, I second the motion of Queastor Titus."

Sam Littlehorn – Free Commonwealth of PA –

Sam leaned back on her char intensively staring at the representative of the Legion as he spoke. Her fingers tapping on the desk, as she listened to him go on about the acts of the NCR against his people in their foolish little campaign. Yet, she couldn’t help but smirk, as the so called legion played the part of victim in this situation, seemingly wishing to milk it for whatever it was worth.

Before she could speak the President of the FCTS spoke up, “The Free Confederation of Texan States will take time to consider your proposal.” he paused while giving the word for rangers to carry a statement. Each nation would receive the message from a grey clad Texas Ranger. Sam took her note from the ranger; it was invitation to discuss how issue should be addressed.

He turned his voice back to address the convention. “Now I would like to inquire about a matter we can surely agree on.”, he let that hang in the air for a few moments. “What action is being carried out against the Cult of Ug-Qualoth? My scouts report fighting in the north. This cult seems to defy basic human rights, and we believe action against them might be necessary”.

Barnaky of the Midwestern Brotherhood spoke of his people’s campaign against the Cult. This interested her group. They were in constant state of war with the cult, and for now the cult focused on them. Their fight allowed the Commonwealth time to build up their defensive line, and strengthen the western border. Soon the Crusaders would reveal themselves back home, and show just what they are capable of doing.

However, her face and demeanor showed her disgust when he spoke favorably of the Legion by taking their side. As he finished, she stood and laughed a bit. “Oh…poor Legion…poor little victims. I know the representative of Texas wished to have the member nations of the soon to be Co-Prosperity Sphere discuss our response in unison and how we should proceed…however, I’ll like to make our position known.”

She paused, looking around and then slammed the table, causing drinks and anything standing on it to fall over, “IT WILL BE A COLD DARK DAY IN HELL, BEFORE WE SIDE WITH THESE HEATHENS AND SLAVERS! TO US YOU’RE NO BETTER THAN THE CULT!” She plopped back down on her chair, and moved strand of her red hair to the side, and coolly replied “I vote no.”

Titus Crassus, Quaestor of The Legion

Once Crassus had finished his speech and sat down, an aide-de-camp of the revered Barnaky of The Midwestern Brotherhood had approached his table and sat a carefully folded envelope slip down in front of him, indicating only that it was for Titus's eyes only and that it was being given courtesy of Midwestern intelligence agents.

Curious, Titus opened the evelope and began reading the provided dossier. Its contents were quite surprising. The Midwest had apparently discovered an NCR invasion force attempting to take Santa Fe by surprise. In addition, Barnaky made his intentions known of announcing this to the assembled delegates, and also indicated that the Midwest had already passed this valuable intel along to Caesar himself.

Titus smiled, and gave a subtle nod to Barnaky, indicating his approval and letting the Midwestern leader know that The Legion was grateful for their support. It was clear that Midwestern military intelligence was second to none. Even the feared Frumentarii would have difficulty keeping up with the Midwest's advanced technology, which could bring to bear things that could only be dreamed up by The Legion.

Barnaky had then launched into an impressive speech condemning the NCR and revealing the status of the "hidden" army force, along with his intent to declare war if The NCR insisted on continuing down this foolish path. Counting on The Midwest's intervention had been an established part of Caesar's battle plan for a potential NCR invasion for some time, and Caesar Lucius had sent word to Barnaky only moments after learning of the imminent likelihood of attack. Now this alliance would be made clear and quite apparent to all present.

The Midwestern leader finished with flair and seconded Titus's proposal. Shortly after he'd finished speaking however, one of the eastern delegates from the strange place known as the "Pennslvania Commonwealth" had spoke up loudly and with no small degree of hatred directed at him.

“IT WILL BE A COLD DARK DAY IN HELL, BEFORE WE SIDE WITH THESE HEATHENS AND SLAVERS! TO US YOU’RE NO BETTER THAN THE CULT!” She shouted.

Titus simply nodded, and stood up once more to take the floor,

"I understand we have our differences," He began, "But I will make my position clear as well, this is not a matter of sympathy for The Legion or even tolerating our ways. This is a simple matter of determining whether or not The NCR acted justly and in good faith when attending this convention, which was ostensibly intended to promote peace. Something that I would hope you might appreciate, if not approve of."

"I would like to add too," He continued, "That I cannot speak to the atrocities of The Cult, as their actions in the east are unfamiliar to us. Which is why Caesar has ordered that a representative from The Legion be sent east to ascertain the full story of what dangers they might pose to us all. Furthermore, I would say that while you may calls us heathens, know that Caesar has done much to protect your faith in his lands, offering sanctuary in the Zion Valley and allowing missionaries to travel in absolute safety throughout Legion territory. Where previously there was tribal war parties and raiders roving the land, now there is order and stability. Sometimes, bringing order to uncivilized peoples requires brute force and an uncompromising position. Our methods may be harsh to someone of your sensibilities, but they are necessary. Perhaps, in time, they will no longer be needed. It is the hope and goal for Caesar to bring a great many changes to his Legion, transforming it from the nomadic band of warriors that it was, to a well organized, stable, and modernized nation, dependent not on conquest but on economic and political ties with its neighbors. It is unfortunate that you would be quick to condemn us to fiery damnation, before allowing Caesar's vision to come to fruition. After all, do not all nations go through periods of trial and tribulation? Is there any nation here which can honestly say they are bloodless in their actions at all times? That they have never brought misery or fear to anyone? If not, then we ask for time, nothing more."

With that, Titus took his seat once again.

Alaskan Federation @2sky11 @Andronicus23 @Tiberius67 @Wampower

Once Mr. House had greeted them and allowed anyone to take the floor and propose ideas Titus Crassus addressed the delegates asking them to denounce the New California Republic for their actions during these supposed peace talks.

"While their actions were certainly wrong it highlights the short sightedness of their president who clearly lacks a strategic mind to comprehend when he should strike. If his attack upon the Legion had actually accomplished something we'd be having a different atmosphere in this room, striking the head of your enemy while he attends a peace summit would be an effective and unforeseeable action. However instead of assassinating anyone, Kimball made a fool out of himself where he could have garnered support by letting peace talks fall through and propping himself as the victim." North spoke as the other delegates listened in.

"Now." He said sipping a leather flask. "He has extinguished all support he could have garnered from this meeting, had he sat back and played the victim Alaska might have come to his aid as would others who view your culture negatively. As for Alaska, this is your problem. The west is logistically of no concern to us and even if you requested supplies I sincerely doubt we could accommodate you in any meaningful way given our great distance. Not that I personally have any interest in stepping in save only to act as a mediator which given the Republics' current actions seems unlikely to bear fruit."

Shortly after the Governor of New Houston inquired as to how the nations gathered would deal with the Cult of Ug-Qualoth to which Titus responded.

"I would like to add too," He continued, "That I cannot speak to the atrocities of The Cult, as their actions in the east are unfamiliar to us. Which is why Caesar has ordered that a representative from The Legion be sent east to ascertain the full story of what dangers they might pose to us all. Furthermore, I would say that while you may calls us heathens, know that Caesar has done much to protect your faith in his lands, offering sanctuary in the Zion Valley and allowing missionaries to travel in absolute safety throughout Legion territory. Where previously there was tribal war parties and raiders roving the land, now there is order and stability. Sometimes, bringing order to uncivilized peoples requires brute force and an uncompromising position. Our methods may be harsh to someone of your sensibilities, but they are necessary. Perhaps, in time, they will no longer be needed. It is the hope and goal for Caesar to bring a great many changes to his Legion, transforming it from the nomadic band of warriors that it was, to a well organized, stable, and modernized nation, dependent not on conquest but on economic and political ties with its neighbors. It is unfortunate that you would be quick to condemn us to fiery damnation, before allowing Caesar's vision to come to fruition. After all, do not all nations go through periods of trial and tribulation? Is there any nation here which can honestly say they are bloodless in their actions at all times? That they have never brought misery or fear to anyone? If not, then we ask for time, nothing more."

"I too have no information on what the Cult may or may not have done. It will be a matter we will look into and could change our perspective of them and our prospective relationship. For now things stand Ms. Ashur."

Simon Barnaky - At the conference

As Barnaky gave his speech, using the wide angle lenses of the robot's optics, he examined the delegate's faces for clues on how they were taking his speech. Queastor Titus was elated, as he was right to be, he would no doubt waste no time advising Lucius that the Brotherhood had openly declared his support for the Legion in this matter. Young Miss Tenpenny, however, went from glee at his announcement of the Campaign against the Cult to being clearly disgusted and enraged by the revelation of his support for the Legion.

"Hmm", Barnaky thought, "It seems the Texans didn't tell her about what happened in Mexico this morning. Interesting."

“Oh…poor Legion…poor little victims", she said, using sarcasm to disguise her anger, "I know the representative of Texas wished to have the member nations of the soon to be Co-Prosperity Sphere discuss our response in unison and how we should proceed…however, I’ll like to make our position known.”

"Soon to be Co-Prosperity Sphere?", Barnaky asked himself. "Joseph told me that the Texans were up to something involving their neighbors, but what Miss Tenpenny was suggesting is that a full blown alliance existed....the question is, who is it aimed at?"

Barnaky decided he would need to reach out to Robert and also have Joseph get in contact with Vulpes to see what the Legion knew about this. It was also clear now that he would need to sound out Vault 99, and keep his options open with them. They were too wedded to the Old World for his liking, but if the Southern and Eastern factions were allying against him....

“IT WILL BE A COLD DARK DAY IN HELL", Tenpenny barked as she pounded the table angrily, "BEFORE WE SIDE WITH THESE HEATHENS AND SLAVERS! TO US YOU’RE NO BETTER THAN THE CULT!” She plopped back down on her chair, and moved strand of her red hair to the side, and coolly replied “I vote no.”

"The Legion is two thousand miles from your borders, Governor", Barnaky replied diplomatically. "They will never be a threat to you...but that can't be said for the Cult, can it? They are right on your doorstep, and given that they nearly destroyed the East Coast Chapter of the Brotherhood, and were only stopped from overrunning the whole Atlantic Coast from the Capital Wasteland North by the Children of Atom, who were obliged to resort to the use of tactical nuclear weapons to drive them back....you need all the friends you can get right now. What was the old saying? 'Never look a gift horse in the mouth?'"

Titus then took the floor again, and gave a measured speech that pointed out that Caesar Lucius had committed to a program of reform to address the excesses of Sallow's Regime and put his Kingdom on the path towards being a responsible Nation-State, and asking for time to bring the ambitious program to fruition He also mentioned that Caesar was sending a delegation East to see things for themselves. Barnaky knew this to be true, they were currently on a train in Western Kansas, disruptions from the timetable changes dictated by the plans to reinforce the Legion had delayed their progress somewhat.

"I can attest to the veracity of Queastor Titus", Barnaky said after Titus had taken his seat, "My state of existence has enabled me to take a long view of things...something Governor Harris and I have in common, I think...and I have observed the Legion almost since Edward Sallow created it, nearly thirty years ago, as well as conduct affairs of State with both him and Caesar Lucius. We have found the accession of Caesar Lucius to be a most welcome development, and Queastor Titus's declarations are fully consistent with both my observations of how the Legion is being governed, as well as my personal experience with Lucius and his senior officials."

The delegate from Alaska then took the floor, and while his remarks were critical of the NCR, he made it clear that his people had no intention of taking a side in the current dispute between the Legion and NCR, and cast doubt on whether they could effectively do so even if they wanted to. He then indicated that they knew little of the Cult and would require more information before they could decide on whether action against them was appropriate.

"I would be happy to assist you...or any other faction represented here, even the NCR...in your inquiries", Barnaky said. "If any nation wishes to send a delegation for a fact-finding tour, or to observe our operations against the Cult, that can be arranged through diplomatic channels, for those who have formal diplomatic relations with us, or through our Embassy here in New Vegas if you do not."

Omaha - SAC Command Bunker @Kouropalates

The Duty Officer in the Communications Center started as the teletype machine along the wall behind his desk suddenly clattered into life. A teletype machine only used by one individual. It spat out a short message then stopped, and he tore the message off the roll and looked at it. It was short and to the point.

******MESSAGE BEGINS*****

COMMENCE INTRUDE N313. ZERO HOUR TO BE 1700 PDT TOMORROW. PROCEED UNLESS RECALLED. -BARNAKY

******MESSAGE ENDS******

The remainder of the message was delivery instructions...the coordinates for a tight beam broadcast and a frequency to use. The Duty Officer gave the orders for the procedure to instruct the comsat orbiting the West coast to align it's antenna to begin, then placed the message on the desk and retrieved a book from the safe and looked through it until he found the reference for "INTRUDE N313". It corresponded to an Operation called "Shadow Raid", and gave the cipher to use to encrypt it. The order from the Lord Paladin was carried out promptly and the message went out to it's intended receipient.

"Shadow Raid", the Duty Officer mused to himself as he dropped the teleprinter sheet into the shredder, "wonder what this one is about?"

(OOC Cue thematic music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I05rrkffzdc)

Legions of Caesar Lucius, Arizona - Road to Phoenix

Digging his hands into the warm sun baked earth, Lucius scooped out a small mound of the dry red soil and dusted his hands with it. As he did so, he said a silent prayer to Mars and asking the God of War to bless his chosen field of battle. He stood up and surveyed the landscape. Behind him, a retinue of heavily armored mounted praetorian stood silent watch. Among them was Legate Aurelius of Phoenix, his second in command and General of The Eastern Legions.

"As good a place as any for a fight I suppose," Lucius remarked as he stood up and wiped his hands with his own red cloak, which he summarily unfastened and tossed to a nearby attending legionary.

"I never did like Arizona," Aurelius commented gruffly as he watched Lucius mount his war horse.

Lucius gave his Legate a sly look, "Then you're unfortunately named old friend..."

Aurelius grumbled, "I served The Legion in Arizona and commanded the veterans of Phoenix. So I was named thusly. But I never enjoyed the climate. Too hot: always preferred Colorado. Good country there. You remember the Summer Campaign?"

"Aye I remember," Lucius said with a nod as he took a deep drink from his waterskin, letting some of the liquid drip down under his armor to cool his neck and chest, "I recall you nearly drowning in that spring we found because you'd been so excited you forgot to remove your armor."

"Mars above those were some battles too.." Aurelius mused, "It was glorious...fighting hill tribals all day and then bathing in the springs with a woman or two in the evening."

"Or in your case, three or four," Lucius quipped.

Aurelius laughed, "And to think now I stand here devoted to one woman, who'd flay me alive if she heard those stories."

Lucius gave a chuckle of his own, "As would my Hannah." His thoughts then drifted briefly to his wife, imagining her tender face before the sound of fast approaching hoof beats woke him from his revelry.

"Caesar!" The horsemen said as he pounded his chest his salute, "The army of the NCR President approaches. Just as you said."

"Thank you Centurion, dismissed," Lucius replied. Which was followed by a second salute from the rider as he galloped onward.

"Mad fool," Aurelius scoffed.

Lucius shook his head, "Not mad. Supremely confident perhaps. He's hellbent on reaching Phoenix to win a quick victory. He wants to humiliate us, not conquer us. He's moving too quickly for his own army though and now its been split."

"He'll regret that before the day is over I expect..."

"No, he'll regret far more than that," Lucius replied as he strapped on his plumed helm, "Signal the Centurions."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sounds of rolling vehicles and quickly marching men and horses filled air as the army of President Kimball rolled into the valley. The army was beset by thirst: the soldiers for water and the vehicles and tanks for fuel. The tremendous dust they were kicking up with their movements further obscured their vision. Only the lead vehicles had an unobstructed view of their surroundings. Heedless of the surrounding danger, the NCR forces pressed on deeper. Suddenly the fast moving vehicles started to become bogged down in unexpectedly muddy soil. What had previously been a dry and arid landscape, had now become a quagmire. The Legion had diverted the waters of a nearby stream into the valley, soaking the earth and caking it with mud.

Once the army was fully committed and now nearly at a halt due to the terrain, Lucius sprang his trap. Legionaries armed with anti-tank weaponry and missile launchers, partly supplied by The Brotherhood, launched the initial attack. Some of the missiles veered off from their intended targets, but several others struck home sending a cascade of panic surging through the NCR forces as a number of their heavy tanks and vehicles went up in balls of flame.

Great horns began sounding from all sides, and the NCR troopers were suddenly aware of the sight of crimson clad legionaries appearing from the hillsides and descending on the mobile column with a fury. They came in from both sides of the valley and the NCR forces immediately began attempting to throw up a defensive line. Gunshots resounded on both sides but the Legion forces kept their momentum, moving forward and crashing into the NCR column.

As the fighting commenced, Lucius waited with his men directly in front of the advancing column, obscured by a small hillock. Quietly, he observed the battle, and watched carefully for the opportunity he was looking for. The Legion force that assaulted from the north side of the valley began falling back as he'd ordered them to. He trusted his Centurions to know the right moment to proceed with the feign and they hadn't disappointed. As the Legionaries pulled back, the NCR forces on the north side of the valley began pushing forward, chasing after them: flush with a taste of victory. Once they'd done so, a gap began appearing in the NCR column, nearly splitting the two defensive lines in half. It was exactly the moment Lucius has been waiting for. All this time, he'd been holding his Legio I Arizona veterans in reserve: until now. Now he would strike where the NCR were most vulnerable.

"Go!" Lucius ordered as he drew his gladius, "Drive for the gap!"

With that, Lucius and his horsemen burst out and over the hill they'd been hiding behind and surged forward, followed closely by a wave of veteran Legionaries. They began closing the short distance between themselves and the NCR rapidly, and the surprised NCR troopers immediately turned to face the new oncoming threat. They began opening fire but the mass of Legionaries and horsemen pressed onward, heedless of the oncoming fire. Lucius spurred his men forward to close the distance quicker,

"Come Legionaries ride with me! Ride! Ride!" He shouted over the echoing din of the battle. They were mere yards from the troopers now, and he could see the horror in their eyes as Legion cataphracts thundered towards them.

"Legio Invicta!" Lucius cried.

"LEGIO INVICTA!" Came the reply from his men. The horsemen dipped lances and plowed directly into the NCR troopers, trampling many and sending others careening to the ground. The cataphracts kept moving, using their speed and momentum to continue driving into the disrupted NCR column. As they did so, the Legionary Veterans who'd been charging behind on foot caught up and joined the fray. Lucius cut down an NCR trooper who'd been charging at him with a lowered bayonet and slashed into the face of another as he rode past him, his gladius now soaked in fresh blood.

Lucius then snapped his attention to the northern hillside where now the Legion forces that had feigned their retreat were now swiftly returning, with added reinforcements brought up by Aurelius himself.

Now what had previously been an orderly defensive formation to repel the ambush, had quickly fallen into a chaotic mass of Legion and NCR soldiers. Lucius's men had driven straight down the center of the column and virtually split it in two, carving up the troops and forcing them to fight far more close quarters than they were used to. Most of the vehicles had all but become bogged down, with only a few of the lighter equipment able to move at all, either due to the mud itself or simply being hemmed in by others who were stuck. They were still able to bring their firepower to bear though, which they did at any cluster of Legion soldiers they could find sending gore and pieces of men flying into the air. The quarters were too close though, and often the tanks would end up blowing up some of their own men who were caught up in the fire. Battle-crazed Legionaries armed with grenades and other explosives scrambled up the tanks, tore open hatches, and threw their ordinance down into the hulls sending burning and disfigured men clawing out from the smoking innards to be dispatched with spears and machetes by waiting Legionaries.

The battle had turned to utter madness and brutality, and Lucius soon found himself dismounted and fighting pell-mell side by side with several of his Praetorian guard. As he grappled with an NCR soldier who he'd only just managed to knock to the ground, an NCR Private armed with a bayonet charged at him yelling bloody murder, and caught him in the back. Lucius yelled in anger, his armor having thankfully protected him from most of the blow. In a rage, he turned and drove his gladius right through the exposed neck of the man and sent a gush of blood spaying from the ghastly wound. In a daze of both pain and confusion, Lucius wiped the blood of the man from his eyes and surveyed the bloodshed all around him. Through the dust and smoke of burning men and machines, he spotted the darkened silhouette of a figure. A man who was standing up out of a tank and directing men and soldiers about him through a radio held to his face. Lucius's eyes widened as if crazed by the sight of the man.

"Kimball!" He shouted manically and he desperately looked around him for his horse. He found it quickly and mounted up, spurring the beast onward towards the man in the tank. As he charged forward like a man possessed, he reached down and plucked a throwing spear from where it had been embedded in the dirt and held it aloft.

"KIMBALL!" He yelled again. This time, the man in the tank heard him. The NCR President saw the charging horsemen and he quickly reached for his pistol which was strapped to his side.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" Lucius yelled madly in rage and launched the spear with considerable force at the President. Kimball opened fire and Lucius felt the bullets strike his body, sending him and his horse crashing to the ground. The spear, however, had found its mark. And it embedded itself into the chest of President Kimball with a tremendous sickening thud, impaling him completely. The President looked stunned and bug-eyed at the spear now erupting from his body before he spurt up a mouthful of blood and collapsed against the top of the tank. Dead.

Lucius stared up in a misty haze at the sky. He was flat on his back and a pool of blood was slowly growing around him. His thoughts once more returned to his wife as a squad of NCR troopers began to close in on him, bayonets raised and ready to skewer their hated adversary and the man who'd just slaughtered their President.

"Hannah..." He whispered, and closed his eyes.

"To Caesar!" Lucius heard the words only faintly, but he soon became aware of a thunder of crimson bodies intercepting the onrushing NCR soldiers. They threw themselves at the troopers with no regard for their own lives or safety. A fierce back and forth began over the body of the fallen Caesar with the NCR desperately trying to claw their way to him and The Legionaries fighting ever more fiercely to protect him. After a bloody struggle, Lucius felt himself being lifted up and away.

"Get him out of here!" He heard someone shout, "Get him out of here!"

The bloodloss weakened him, and Lucius felt his eyes closing. The sounds of the horror of battle faded and died away to black nothingness.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Midwestern Communications Outpost

A rapidly moving Legion courier had rode for miles after the battle non-stop to arrive at a Midwestern communications outpost, setup to help monitor the NCR presence in Arizona. He'd been forced to switch horses several times along the way and bore only a single small scroll buried in his brahmin skin message bag. He rode right up to the outpost and dismounted, handing the soldier on duty the message. It read simply.

NCR incursion force ambushed outside Phoenix by Legions of Caesar Lucius and Legatus Aurelius. All killed or captured. Kimball is dead. Relay news to convention.

Commander Fulman, Arctic Haven

John looked the soldiers over dressed in their Stealth Suits, armed with a mixture of night vision goggles and suppressed weapons. "Wolves, we've gotten the greenlight to commence Operation: Shadow Raid from the Brotherhood. You'll shortly be shipped out to Vegas, from there, you'll be making a HALO insertion into your target. That said, nom de guerre, names and ranks are forbidden on this op. You are assigned temporary names of apostles on this. John, Simon, James, Thaddeus, Phillip and Thomas." He pointed to each as he listed a name. "I don't need to say this, but as reinforcement of the gravity of the situation, if you fail this operation, you're being assigned deck cleaning duties until you quit or you die. This operation solidifies to the western US whether we're truly mercenaries or just a bunch of assclowns like the Snow Snakes are. Move out."

Fort Hope, New Vegas

The squad climbed aboard a somewhat small plane, the pilot already having the plane started up. As they took their seats, the pilot yelled to them through their pre-war communications equipment. "Right! Everyone ready? Here's the plan. We'll fly over NCR territory. We'll fly about 30 klicks in. When that light turns red, that's your cue to jump, got it? Good!". The plane began to slowly take off from the runway. When they were finally in the air, Simon, the team commander, looked out the window. He contemplated the point in any of this, it wasn't their fight. But then again, maybe a part of it was his guilt at sabotaging his former homeland. He sat quietly, sighing through his helmet as the setting sun began to go over the horizon, darkening the world. The room began to turn a dark red as if blood had exploded in the room. Simon slid open the door and got everyone in line, "Alright, you know the plan. Teams of two! Go! Go! Go!". They were all soon falling effortlessly to the earth. Fulman's voice came over their radio, "Alright men, we just got an update. We have a DNE warning by the Brotherhood on NCR and Legion. This op is currently restricted to scouting until we're given the go ahead to attack sites. The Legion does not know we're here, so they may see us as an NCR unit. That said, despite their warnings, if you should wind up with Legion and they pin you down, don't hesitate to kill them. I don't want a fight with the Legion, but this is NCR territory, it'll just be another poor raiding party gone missing, but try to avoid it where you can. We had one of the intel team sneak into the area, there should be a rusting truck nearby. Under a rock nearby will be retrofitted stealth boys with only one hour of power and a solar device that recharges it with six hours of sun. I don't need to point out the math, but that limits their use to need only, so don't go wild trying to play the Invisible Man. Good luck and god be with you all. Out."

When they were below Pre-War radar levels, their wristwatches gave a light and they pulled their parachute chords and landed softly into the sands of California. Simon pulled down his goggles and found the truck exactly as the commander described it and the rock nearby. He pried open a small toolbox that made the stealthboys nondescript in their hiding. "Commencing Operation: Shadow Raid. We rendevous five miles east of here near the border once demolitions have finished. Good luck." Simon and Thaddeus went their way and began searching for the key rail junctions to begin their part of the plan.

@Andronicus23
Joshua Graham - Arizona

As promised before, Joshua Graham gathered what people he managed to get under his call. Namely it was those whom had remained behind at the Sierra Madre. While not many followed him, due to their wish to remain present or were more into Christine' belief of pacifism. No matter, he would show them the true way of surviving in the Wasteland.

He managed to catch the trail of smoke from the far distance with a pair of binoculars - indicating the attack had happened. As such in reply, they made forward with their own plans. As several ram-shack depots and supply routes, that had been established were suddenly attacked. Not many of the regular NCR conscripts understood what a Ghost was in the first place. Or how to kill them permanently at that - the shock value of having jumpy, aggressive, almost ghoul-like creatures assault you out of nowhere was bad. Having them armed from everything from plasma to laser rifles - was even worse. But to shoot several of them down, and watch them get up a few minutes later without any injury slowing them down.

Namely, the men, that James Kimball had promised - were eaten up easily, alongside interest. The soldiers weren't spared, as they were shot and turned into ash. Their supplies, were left intact - namely for the Legion' push forward. Despite what the NCR had spoken about him - he might have been a bad tactician at Hoover Dam; he did know strategy. As for the non-combatants - namely the clerks, medical personnel and civilian contractors. He had the Ghosts confiscate any weapons they had, or kill the ones resisting - leaving up several small groups, mostly women tied up and waiting for the Legion' Vanguard. He left one Ghost to guard each such outpost - as they captured all of the supply lines intact.

Moving forward, they utilized, something that was also given to them - as a token of friendship. Namely rocket launchers - he didn't use normal missiles though - he had them filled up with Cloud dust and namely having them fired straight at the NCR' closest outpost into Arizona. Camp Delta.

---

Christine Royce - General Shu, Camp Delta

Suddenly without warning, the Camp itself was bombarded by rockets and missiles - that exploded overhead, showing only the unlucky with deadly debris. But what was released was much, much worse - as the Cloud suddenly, was released ontop of the camp. Blurring vision of anybody near and making anybody outside choke on the air.

"Shit! Quickly everyone! Out of here! Get out!" yelled Christine, as she pulled on her gas-mask. It wasn't something everyone else could sadly afford - as she quickly had what remained of her own Ghost Traders, quickly help and evacuate those whom were wounded or couldn't see as well in the Cloud. Critical was getting the injured and affected out first - followed by the other non-combative personnel.

The supplies were likely a necessity, but the sound of plasma blasts - told Christine Royce, that they couldn't stay here for long. As the troopers outside, whom could shoot straight - started firing at the figures visible inside the Cloud. Sadly it didn't work as much, since when they fell - they soon returned back up again.

Christine saw it, and sighed in her mask - she was honestly going to kill Joshua Graham after this. She didn't much like obsessions, after what had happened with Father Elijah - but she was certainly going to try and end Graham after this betrayal. Needless to say, many of the NCR personnel were helped onto their make-shift train. Without any supplies, they could fit a good amount of people.

They couldn't bring along the ammo or food supplies - the secured the water mostly, since the road back to Vegas would require a good amount of liquid. Any food they found, could likely be scavenged off the land - what was important was getting out of here. It took a good ten minutes, before Christine realized the battle was lost - she had enough time to track one more NCR person onto the steam train, before they were off. Quicker than they arrived - but pushing the train for a few seconds to escape the Cloud was an acceptable loss.

As they exited the Cloud - many of the NCR' people could breathe the air again and Christine saw - that the last man she dragged out had been General Hsu. "I...thank for the rescue...I was knocked out, thought I died there...ughhh....this thing is a nightmare...and I am going to grill Command and the President for this...where was our intel?" he groaned, rubbing his throat. Not knowing that in a couple of days, news about the NCR' future would be revealed and he - General Hsu, would be the one - to take the reins of the New California Republic.

The New York Syndicate (Secretly The Institute)

Don Borgio sat back and listened intently as the various delegates spoke on the Quaestor's proposal. What began as a simple proposition, quickly turned into a shouting match in at least one case, as a delegate from the Pennsylvania Commonwealth had shouted their opposition and disapproval towards the Legion representative. Afterwards, the man known as General Barnaky had revealed information regarding a secret invasion force and delivered an ultimatum. Finally a gentlemen from Alaska had given his own opinion.

All of it was very confusing and not terribly much of interest to the Don or his family, or rather to the puppeteers that controlled them. The business of the western nations was mostly unknown to them. And while it ran parallel to the goal of learning more about the wasteland powers beyond just those in the east coast, becoming involved at all in this spat between rivals seemed ill-advised seeing as how it was all too far away to be of any real concern. This talk of the cult, however, piqued the Don's interest greatly.

Once there was a lull in the discussion, he cleared his throat and began,

"Well as for me and my family. I would say I have to agree with the gentlemen of Alaska on this whole matter and I find myself in a similar situation. Whatever the quarrels of the western nations are, as important as they may be to those involved, they are far removed from us in the east. And so I don't have an opinion either way on the vote. In due time though, I would like to discuss more about this 'Cult' and whatever threat they may or may not pose..."

Robert Edwin House - President, C.E.O, and Sole Proprietor of the FZM
Lucky 38

Robert listened with intrigue as the table disintegrated into a vat of political lava, each faction quarreling with the next as to the validity of Crassus’ speech. As the floor fell into silence, House finally took the opportunity to speak.

“You’ve all come a very long way. It doesn’t take a P.H.D. from C.I.T. to realize that the many eyes upon this table see the road to the future from an entirely different perspective. There is no disputing that we’ll never be able to agree on a particular vision.”

Robert sighed. “But for the New California Republic…they are the exception to my patience. I shamelessly used their infrastructure as a conduit to the prosperous wealth of New Vegas, but now I find myself in a troubling position. They have become so devastatingly arrogant and shortsighted that I can no longer even trust the influx of their customers.”

Mr. House focused his vision upon Titus Crassus. “For those who are unacquainted with the current climate of the west, let me enlighten you. The New California Republic was born from an idea not terribly unfamiliar from mine – a vision of the old world plastered over the new. A vision of the future. But, along the way, it has fallen into the mistakes that led us to the Great War and distorted into an aimless romp over new territory, damaging the identity of all lands it crosses. I invited President Kimball to this meeting on good faith that he would be reasonable; that he would try to create a future with the rest of us.”

“Instead, he has proven that he is salivating for blood and political gratification in an even more primal, destructive, and backward way than Edward Sallow’s Legion before him. ‘How could Mr. House possibly compare the dissolution of 86 tribes and the crucifixion of thousands to a strategic invasion?’, you might ask…The answer is simple. Lucius’ direction as the new Caesar has proven that even a civilization based off a rudimentary and ancient lifestyle can change. However, the NCR is the same as it’s ever been…Kimball abused his invitation and has propped it up as a smokescreen for his invasion.”

“…Mark my words – Kimball and his regime will not survive this road. I have seen dozens of President Kimballs in my years, and they all disintegrate in remarkably similar ways. The new world demands that you have the sense not to bet on the losing horse…And unless the rest of the NCR finds its feet and uproots its ridiculous administration, said ‘horse’ will collapse before the race has even begun…”

House then moved on to his more specific message. “Hear me, New California Republic – if you so much as send a second squadron into the Mojave Desert or try to cross into Legion territory again, then California will be no more. I have formally declared an alliance with Lord-Paladin Barnaky of the Midwestern Brotherhood of Steel, and I assure you that our partnership will serve as a conduit for the return of a technological future and we shall safeguard its path. The NCR – or anyone who worships the earth they walk on – will be hard-pressed to even cause a dent into our combined prowess.”

“Let this be a challenge to the NCR to return home and reevaluate its very DNA. If it fails to do so, it won’t survive this war. As for the citizens of this failed regime – if you are disillusioned with the direction of your destructive government, I am allowing the exodus of NCR citizens into my borders, where you may find work, peace, and prosperity.”

Robert looked out across the others. “The rest of you can hide behind beautiful ideologies as much as you’d like, but Titus Crassius is right. Lucius will stay upright for longer than most of you because he has made the decisions that have kept he and his people alive…If you’d like to witness the fate of democracy, I implore you to look out the windows.”

RONTO -- from viewpoint of GLENDA DOREN

"It's all there," Glenda huffed, kicking the scuffed and ancient suitcase away from her and towards the trader. She glanced nervously over her shoulder, across the water and back towards home, before turning her attention back towards the woman clad in tattered rags who had knelt and was peering over the contents of the case. They stood on a ruined dock on the edge of what once was a great city. Husks of high rises and the rubble from others that had fallen loomed in the near distance, stretching out for as far as the eye could see.

"Indeed it is," the trader purred, taking one more moment to scan through the contents, before slamming the cover shut and standing with it in her hand. "Aren't you going to inspect the trade?"

Glenda looked down at the old plastic dairy crates jammed full of pre-war bed sheets and small glass vessels. Her quick estimate showed that everything they agreed upon was present. "You're trustworthy, or this exchange wouldn't even be happening."

"Mm, well, the flattery is precious, but means nothing when push comes to shove. Or, to caps," the trader chuckled. "When do you leave?"

Glenda froze, having bent to pick up the crate nearest her feet. "What?"

"You know what I mean. I've only ever spoken to you, and that's because you like coming out here. You want nothing more than to get off that hulking, ugly mass in the middle of the water, and see the real world."

Glenda swallowed, before stooping further and picking up the crate. "You sound like a pre-war fantasy novel. Fantasy is what got our world into the state that it's in. I have no desire to see any more of the decrepit, hollow place it has become."

The trader was already strapping her case of assorted poisons onto the back of her overloaded brahmin. "It's not all decrepit and hollow, child. There are all kinds of other societies, like your coveted Ronto, you know."

"We've heard," Glenda replied cooly, "and we don't care."

"Ah, but you should, and soon."

Glenda clenched and released her hands multiple times. "Well, what do you mean, then?"

"I mean that there are all kinds of organized groups of folks, just like yours -- huh, that is," she paused, a glimmer in her eye, "not quite like yours, y'all seem to be unique, but anyways. My point is, the land stretches far, and wide, and there are many groups of people who consider themselves sovereign. Many of them, yet, are having a meeting right now, far to the south and west, to discuss how they might all live peacefully together."

The young woman plunked the first crate on top of the second. "They can have their meeting. We have the water."

"Whatever you say," the woman waved. "Thanks again for the trade. See you in a month, for the same?"

"In a month," Glenda repeated. She lifted the crates and stood, watching the trader wander back into the ruins, disappearing into the fallen concrete and steel. Glenda gently loaded the crates, one at a time, into her waiting rowboat. Standing on the edge of the docks, facing the steel island, she made a series of high pitched and rhythmic sounds. After a few seconds of quiet, a similar, though rhythmically slightly different response was heard. Glenda stepped into her rowboat and began pulling herself back home.

"I don't know how you can deal with them," sighed Horace as he helped secure her rowboat to its tether. Glenda walked up the makeshift ramp carrying her crates, followed by Horace. He flicked a lever which released the counterweight and pulled the ramp back up, sealing Ronto to the outside world once more.

"It's easy," Glenda purred, "I give her really deadly poisons, and she gives us raw materials we have basically run out of and would have to scavenge for ourselves."

"Totally not what I meant," Horace replied, rolling his eyes and popping a tablet of Slick.

Glenda nearly slapped it out of his hand. Instead, she clenched her jaw. "Thanks," she managed to mutter, before walking off. "My mom needs this stuff in the lab, so, see you later."

She threaded her way through the winding corridors and up and down ramps until she reached the chemistry lab. "I have your vials," she called, plunking the crates onto the nearest table.

"Glenda, please," Wendy chided, using a tone as if Glenda were still a toddler. She instantly removed the crates from where Glenda had placed them and tucked them onto another shelf, nearby. She swiped some stray hair off her forehead. "It went all right, though?"

"Hm? Oh, yes. Of course." Glenda pried her eyes off of some impressive looking set of test tubes, tubing, and bubbling concoctions. "She said something weird this time, though. Something about there being more nations, and that they were gathering --"

"Obviously there are other nations. It would be foolish to think we were the only survivors who managed to organize ourselves intelligently, Glenda," Wendy replied dismissively, scribbling some notes on a page on a clipboard as she observed one of the bubbling vials.

"What would they meet for?"

"Self serving, selfish reasons, no doubt. For history to repeat itself. Nothing good comes from straying out from here, Glenda, you know that."

"Do I?"

Wendy shot her daughter a glance of daggers. "Our predecessors nuked each other nearly completely to death. They all thought they were entitled to more than they had. We know better."

Glenda rolled her eyes. "I wasn't saying we try to check out this meeting. I don't even know where it's happening. 'Far to the south and west,' the trader said."

"So what are you saying? I'm in the middle of something, here."

"Just that maybe we be...aware of it."

"Aware of the existence of the outside world?"

"Mother --"

Wendy waved her off. "I'm busy."

Glenda spun on her heel and nearly ploughed directly into Kenneth as he was entering the lab.

"Watch it," he growled, raising his arms to protect a bundle he had been carrying.

"You watch it," Glenda spat back. "Horace MacGillivray popped one of your pills just after closing the ramp a few minutes ago. He's one of the posted watch. You think it's a good idea the Ronto perimeter guard are mellowing out while on duty?"

"I don't think that that's my job nor responsibility," Kenneth purred in response. "I'm not about to dictate to grown adults what they can and can't be doing with their lives, Glenda. Perimeter guard sounds like a stressful job, I definitely don't blame anyone for wanting to take some edge off such a high stakes position."

"You're ruining our society, Kenneth."

"That's quite the accusation. I think our so-called 'society' was on the path to ruining itself, don't you think? Closed doors, xenophobia. Did I not just hear you suggest we participate in some meeting of nations?"

Glenda stomped her foot. "No, you didn't hear me right at all!"

"You should bring it up at the next council meeting," Kenneth continued, finally entering the lab proper. "I have an experiment to check up on, right now."

Glenda huffed and left the lab, winding back through the corridors to return to the perimeter wall. She took her place at the north turret guardpost and looked out to the waters once more.

@Wampower@Gingy

General Shu, train to Shady Sands

The General in question coughed again, still suffering the after-effects of the Cloud attack - Christine spoke, that the effects of the Cloud wouldn't leave any lasting or developing injuries to him. Beyond the usual lung infection, that is caused upon inhalation of foreign substance. There wasn't much case, if it would clear or not - but post-American medical technology was still able to do miracles.

As he sat there, looking over the documents - he heard the declaration on the radio. Namely from Mister House and what he had planned for the future of the Wasteland or atleast his ideas of the Mojave. He cursed again, namely at the entire Administration - while Shu was known to be a decent man. Understanding, smart, not blindly-ambitious and a not blind to the situation around him - he had to be honest, that there were times, that he felt the bureacracy was too much hindering their gains in the Mojave. Back when the NCR had a base at Camp McCarran - if the politicians could once, just once - focus on the gains and not the costs, if they hadn't dog-tailed around over 'reasons' the NCR could have easily enwrapped the Mojave years ago.

Instead, they had several new nations that had formed over the years - and what none of the Administration had wanted to admit, they were a challenge to the power of the New California Republic. No matter what the politicians and barons had wanted to say - the NCR couldn't fight ten wars at once, from ten angles. No matter how big and large their army was - they were in all honesty, civilian conscripts. Namely, they were a civilian army - not a class or professional one. That was wielded by the Legion or Brotherhood.

Now while he disliked such parties - he was more willing to leave by-gone and stay on the borders of eachother - than waste senseless lives on a dead cause. He coughed once more - before ordering a radio-set to be brought into his cabin by the nearby guards.

Namely he needed to get into contact with the President of the Texas state - the Kimball Administration had left several hundred of troops, near their borders. Without being able to move them back, not unless they had to abandon several tons of equipment - he had only one choice in mind. He needed to come up with something, quickly and immediately. Namely with the army cleaning house back home - he was likely the only one, whom could authorize such a deal.

"I wish to speak with the President of Texas..."