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You make quick time and camp outside of the small town for a few hours before sunrise. You were just told to meet a Praetorian agent inside of Ash Fork so you’re assuming he’ll be easy to find. Perhaps an outpost or office for the area. You look on the map again, it sits right on I-40 that leads directly to NCR territory so you’re also expecting heavy Legion presence.
The night passes quickly and the cold desert night is quickly replaced by a warming morning. In the distance, you can see a herd of cattle being led up the gentle slope to graze on the brush and dry grass. This is pretty good herding land, better than in the Mojave at least.
You finger the Mark of Caesar you received when you traveled to do his surgery. With that in hand, you pack up and head down to Ash Fork. The town is busier than its small stature would reveal. Wisps of smoke rise from multiple houses and buildings while the small figures of Legion citizenry scurry around even this early.
Walking into town reveals a much larger military presence than you expected, with most either directing or assisting in construction of defenses in and around Ash Fork. Could the front be much closer than you thought?
You approach what you know to be a Decanus.
[red] Hail, citizen. Show me your pass. [/red]
You’re not sure what pass he’s talking about, but you pull out your Mark. His eyes light up and he snatches it out of your hand. The Legion officer turns it over multiple times and grunts.
[red]”I apologize. How may I assist you?”[/red]
He hands the Mark back and you place it back around your neck.
He looks like he’s about to ask for clarification but thinks better of it. Instead, he nods.
[red]”Of course, follow me and I’ll take you to Praetorian Magistrate Olivio Felix.”[/red]
The Decanus spins on his heels and marches further into town. As you follow, it’s clear that Ash Fork was a major hub before, and now it’s being readied for war.
Barricades are being erected in the streets and teams of slaves work with draft animals to haul wreckage from one place to another. The interesting thing is that the town doesn’t look ready to evacuate, rather more and more supplies are flowing in through military caravans. Any attempts to make small talk is met with polite but firm grunts and silence.
You don’t have long to think about the implications before you and your guide arrive at an old school, now being transformed into a citadel. The windows on the bottom floor have been sealed with cement, leaving small firing holes.
