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The caravan is a hodgepodge of soldiers, traders and civilians traveling back East. You make friendly conversation with some of the civilians and glean more information about Legion life. With most military-aged males currently fighting and the young women either pregnant or nursing, most of the work is done by slaves or those deemed not capable of combat. You’ve heard of it before but this is the first time meeting second-class citizens, those who can live and work in Legion lands but aren’t considered full citizens. While they’re spared military duty, their work is harder and don’t receive certain privileges like grain doles that citizens do.
It’s then unsurprising that industry in the Legion revolved around war or agriculture, and anything else comes directly from Caesar himself. One you talked to, a man named Thomas, runs a quarry out in Crooked Tree which supplies concrete to the Legion. After lying that you also produce it, he begins talking shop and shares some of his tips. You’re not sure how it compares to the NCR but his operation seems efficient in the application of forced labor and machinery.
The caravan makes camp for the night with a promise to arrive at Aqualeia. Only a few soldiers offer to take watch for the night, but you remember that hostile wildfire is the only real threat out here. That being said, you don’t sleep much anyway so you volunteer to help.
Your shift passes quickly as you chat up Hadrius Cortez, a young Legionary that had actually seen combat down South. You suspect it was near Lake Havasu. The soldier didn’t care to share many details but it seemed like it was fierce combat with the Legion slowly being pushed back East. The only reason Hadrius isn't on the frontlines is because he is to be honored in New Rome by Caesar himself.
He can’t remember what the ceremony is called, but Legionary Cortez rushed an NCR position with just a machete and killed two, running the others off and saving his Centuria from a pincer movement. You two share combat stories until the next shift relieved you. Sleep is quick to come once you lay by the fire.
True to the caravan master’s words, you arrive at Prescott before noon. You wish your newfound companions luck and begin your mission.
The first task is to get eyes on the Legion Headquarters in the city. It would be easy to wave your Mark around and gain access to places you normally wouldn’t but that’s not exactly laying low. As long as no one asks for documentation of your citizenship, you should be fine.
